Reversible Calcinosis Cutis

REPORTS of metastatic calcification in the skin are uncommon, even though it was described by Jadassohn1 as long ago as 1910. Metastatic calcification is seen in diseases associated with chronically elevated blood calcium and phosphorus levels. In contrast, dystrophic calcification occurs in diseases associated with local tissue injury, in which serum calcium and phosphorus levels remain normal.2 Recently, Selye3 described an experimental form of soft-tissue calcification called "calciphylaxis." This form of calcification occurred in rats when acute calcium mobilization, which of itself would not induce metastatic calcification, was followed by an injury or challenge, which also of itself would not . . .