Fine needle aspiration biopsy of calcinosis cutis. A case report
Solans, E.P.; Bakhos, R.; Castelli, M.J.; Gattuso, P.
Acta Cytologica 41(2): 590-592
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 9100805 Document Number: 479503
BACKGROUND: Metastatic calcifications are currently an uncommon complication in patients with end-stage renal disease due to improvements in management of these patients. When present, however, calcification may mimic neoplastic growth and can undergo fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). CASE: A case of calcinosis cutis was diagnosed by FNAB in a 50-year-old male with a history of end-stage renal disease who presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the right side of his neck. CONCLUSION: The presence of histiocytes, foreign body-type giant cells and refractile material (calcium crystals) in FNAB material is diagnostic of calcinosis cutis in the proper clinical setting.