Fine needle aspiration biopsy of calcinosis cutis. A case report

Acta Cytol. 1997 Mar-Apr;41(2):590-2. doi: 10.1159/000332563.

Abstract

Background: Metastatic calcifications are currently an uncommon complication in patients with end-stage renal disease due to improvements in management of these patients. When present, however, calcifications may mimic neoplastic growth and can undergo fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

Case: A case of calcinosis cutis was diagnosed by FNAB in a 50-year-old male with a history of end-stage renal disease who presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the right side of his neck.

Conclusion: The presence of histiocytes, foreign body-type giant cells and refractile material (calcium crystals) in FNAB material is diagnostic of calcinosis cutis in the proper clinical setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Calcinosis / etiology*
  • Calcinosis / pathology*
  • Calcinosis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Male
  • Medical History Taking
  • Middle Aged
  • Parathyroidectomy