Penile necrosis in end stage renal disease: Calciphylaxis or another entity?

An 80-year-old man with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities, insulin-dependent diabetes and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was admitted for a one-month history of an exquisitely painful and progressively, necrotic plaque of the glans penis. Prior therapies with steroid cream and fluconazole were not effective. On exam, there was a circumferential necrotic eschar involving the glans penis. Presumptive diagnoses included calciphylaxis with overlying wet gangrene. Infectious disease was consulted and recommended empiric treatment with antibiotics which ultimately offered no relief.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research