Calciphylaxis of the Penis in a 70-Year-Old Man: A Case Report

Abstract

Penile calciphylaxis is a severe form of calcifying uremic arteriolopathy, with only a few cases reported in the literature. It is uncommon, characterized by calcification within the walls of small vessels, resulting in ischemic changes to the skin, and is most commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). We reported a 70-year-old patient case of chronic ESRF on hemodialysis and type 2 diabetes who presented with painful blackish necrotic discoloration of the peri-meatal area and dry gangrene at the big toe of the right foot. The patient was treated with penile debridement, penile stump necrosectomy, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient was diagnosed with penile calciphylaxis based on histopathological findings. This episode occurred again in postoperative follow-up and required regularization of the penile stump. In conclusion, the management of this rare situation is controversial, and its diagnosis is still difficult due to the scarcity of reported cases.