Article Text

Download PDFPDF

Calciphylaxis Treated With Neurolytic Lumbar Sympathetic Block: Case Report and Review of the Literature
  1. Jeffrey A. Green, M.D.,
  2. Carmen R. Green, M.D. and
  3. Sharon D. Minott, M.D.
  1. From the Multidisciplinary Pain Center, the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  1. Reprint requests: Carmen R. Green, M.D., Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health Systems, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, 1G323UH Box 0048, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Abstract

Background and Objective Calciphylaxis is a painful complication of end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Calcification most commonly affects skin and soft tissue of the lower extremities resulting in excruciatingly painful skin ulcers. Treatment involves correction of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, parathyroidectomy, and supportive measures.

Methods The literature and the merits of neurolytic lumbar sympathetic blockade (LSB) for the treatment of pain associated with calciphylaxis are reviewed.

Conclusions The neurolytic LSB provided pain relief and is a treatment modality to be considered in managing the pain associated with calciphylaxis.

  • Calciphylaxis
  • Lumbar sympathetic block
  • Complications of end-stage renal disease
  • Complications of secondary hyperparathyroidism
  • Pain management
  • Lower extremity pain

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.