calcific uremic arteriolopathy

a syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by calcification of the tunica media of the subcutaneous arterioles accompanied by livedo reticularis and necrosis of the skin. It is seen most often in patients with end-stage renal disease, but also occurs with primary hyperparathyroidism, alcoholic cirrhosis, and metastatic breast cancer. Mortality is high and death most often results from sepsis. Called also calciphylaxis.