Calciphylaxis

A healthcare provider may suspect calciphylaxis based on your condition, symptoms and a physical exam of your body. This exam includes looking and feeling for any changes to your skin or the area just underneath it. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history as they try to make a calciphylaxis diagnosis. Once a provider suspects calciphylaxis, they’ll order medical tests to learn more.

What tests will be done to diagnose calciphylaxis?

A healthcare provider may order the following tests:

Skin biopsy

Taking a sample of skin and tissue just underneath (usually about 4 or 5 millimeters deep) is the most reliable way to identify calciphylaxis. A provider usually takes a sample at the edge of a lesion or wound. Analyzing the sample involves looking at it under a microscope and using certain substances to cause color or chemical changes that can help confirm the diagnosis.

You might not need a biopsy if you already have a diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease and more advanced wounds with black scabbing.

Lab testing

Blood and urine (pee) tests can help with making a diagnosis, assessing the severity of the case and deciding how best to treat it. The tests providers use most often include:

Kidney function tests. These tests analyze urine to check how well your kidneys are working.
Mineral bone parameters: An analysis of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D can help determine the severity of a case.
Liver function tests: When you can’t take medications that your kidneys filter out, medications your liver filters are often the next option. Checking your liver function helps healthcare providers make sure it’s safe to give you liver-dependent medications.
Immune system markers: This test looks for signs that your body is fighting an infection. It can also help check for autoimmune diseases.
Blood coagulation markers: Analyzing how well your blood clots (or doesn’t clot) is helpful because it can reveal the potential for internal bleeding or other problems.

Imaging

A provider may order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or bone density scans, but it’s not as common. You’re more likely to have imaging when other tests don’t provide answers that help with a diagnosis.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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