Diphosphonate Treatment of Calcinosis Universalis

Abstract

CALCINOSIS universalis is a condition characterized by progressive accumulation of amorphous calcium phosphate and crystalline hydroxyapatite in subcutaneous lesions. The etiology is not known. Numerous modes of therapy have been proposed, including increased dietary phosphate, a diet low in calcium and high in phosphorus, a ketogenic diet, infusions of trisodium edetate (sodium versenate) to chelate calcium and systemic steroids. Surgical excision of the lesions followed by split-thickness skin grafting has also been recommended to eliminate painful infected lesions, but no method has been found that will consistently arrest or alleviate the disease.1 2 3 Fleisch has suggested that pyrophosphate may be a . . .