Calciphylaxis in moderate renal insufficiency: changing disease concepts

Calciphylaxis is a rare but frequently fatal complication in patients with end-stage renal disease. Original concepts regarding groups at risk for the disease, predisposing factors, and associated morbidity have changed significantly in the past few years as more cases are reported. We present a patient who developed fatal calciphylaxis in the setting of moderate renal insufficiency to illustrate some of the evolving concepts in this disease process.