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Calcinosis cutis

Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026

Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Overview

  • Definition and synonyms
    • Calcinosis cutis = pathological deposition of calcium salts (mainly hydroxyapatite) in skin and subcutaneous tissue. Reiter 2011 , Le 2025
    • It is classified into five types : dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, iatrogenic, and calciphylaxis. (Reiter 2011 , Jiménez-Gallo 2015 , Le 2025)
  • History
    • The description of calcific deposits in the skin in association with connective tissue diseases and metabolic disorders has been recognized since the late 19th century; the modern classification into five subtypes and the systematic diagnostic algorithm were consolidated with the revisions by Touart and Reiter. Touart 1998 , Reiter 2011
  • Epidemiology
    • It is rare in the general population, but common in certain systemic diseases , especially systemic sclerosis (SSC) and dermatomyositis. Gutierrez 2012 , Valenzuela 2015
    • In Escherichia coli, calcinosis cutis affects approximately one-quarter of patients over the course of the disease. Valenzuela 2015
    • In autoimmune connective tissue diseases, it is a major source of pain and functional disability (hands, knees, hips). Gutierrez 2012 , Lau 2024
    • Slight female predominance reflecting the epidemiology of connective tissue diseases. Gutierrez 2012
  • ICD Codes
    • ICD-10: L94.2 (Calcinosis cutis).
    • ICD-11: EB90.4 (Calcification of skin or subcutaneous tissue).
  • Diagnostic checklist (quick)
    • History
      • History of SC, dermatomyositis, SLE, CKD/dialysis, hyperparathyroidism, trauma/local injections.
    • Exploration
      • Location (periarticular, pressure areas), number, size, pain, ulceration, signs of connective tissue disease.
    • Basic laboratory
      • Ca, P, PTH, renal function; ± ANA/ENA, CK as suspected.
    • Image
      • Simple X-ray of the area ± hands/feet.
    • Biopsy
      • Excisional or deep incisional with dermis + panniculus, in 10% formalin.

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