Cutaneous gangrene due to hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure (uraemic gangrene syndrome)

Cutaneous and subcutaneous gangrene are serious sequelae of secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism which may accompany chronic renal failure. Based on analysis of the present typical case and a retrospective survey of similar cases in the literature, we propose the term 'uraemic gangrene syndrome' for this association. These skin lesions in chronic renal failure patients represent the most serious clinical manifestation of calciphylaxis, a condition originally described by Selye. The appearance of early skin lesions should be regarded as an indication for subtotal parathyroidectomy.