Presentation
Known diagnosis of dermatomyositis.
Patient Data
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Coarse subcutaneous calcifications in the chest wall and abdominal wall.
The X rays are otherwise unremarkable.
CT neck-chest-abdomen obtained several months previously
Coarse subcutaneous calcifications in the arms, chest wall and abdominal wall (Calcinosis universalis).
Very little intramuscular calcification, notably in the quadratus femoris muscles.
Case Discussion
Calcinosis universalis is a condition characterized by long bands or sheets of symmetrical subcutaneous calcification.
~1/3 of cases are associated with scleroderma, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Calcinosis universalis manifests as long bands of symmetrical subcutaneous calcification seen extending along deep fascial planes. Tendon and ligamental involvement has been described.
Unlike tumoral calcinosis, it is plaque or sheet like rather than mass like.