Calcinosis Cutis in Children Following Electroencephalography

Abstract

WE RECENTLY cared for seven children in whom calcinosis cutis developed at the sites of EEG electrode placement. The lesion apparently is produced by penetration of calcium chloride from the EEG paste into deliberately abraded skin and may be prevented by slight alterations in techniques. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A premature boy was transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit shortly after birth because of respiratory distress, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated IgM level. His course was complicated by pneumonia, congestive heart failure secondary to cor pulmonale, and repeated apneic episodes. His EEGs at 3 and 5 months of age were normal. Shortly after the second EEG, skin lesions were noted in the distribution of the previously applied EEG leads on his scalp and earlobes (Fig 1). Each lesion was a discrete, approximately 1-cm red papule surmounted by multiple yellowish milia. A biopsy specimen of one lesion showed a