A case of cutaneous calcinosis following extravasation of calcium chloride

Kim, Kyun Tae; Hur, Won; Ahn, Sung Ku; Song, Dong Hoon; Lee, Won Soo

Abstract

We report a case of cutaneous calcinosis following extravasation of calcium calcium chloride in a 3-week old neonate, After extravasation of 3% calcium chloride infusion, rapid and marked swelling, erythema, and signs of soft tissue necrosis developed over the extensor surface of both upper extremities. Through the small channels of the destroyed epidermis, tiny white pieces of calcific masses were eliminated spontaneously. Histologically the calcium deposits were found as amorphous masses in the upper dermis and the discharge of calcium deposits also took place by means of transepidermal elimination. The central bone formation and surrounding calcium deposition were present along with dense lymphohistiocytic cell infiltration in the deep dermis. Complications of extravasation of calcium solution during intravenous infusion included localized calcification and, ocasionally necrosis. The incidence of compllcations was about eight percent. This is a case which again emphasises of the danger of using calcium chloride intravenously in the neonate or young infant.