Xeroradiographic observations in four patients with chronic renal disease and cutaneous gangrene.

Cutaneous gangrene developed in four patients who had chronic renal disease that resulted in secondary hyperparathyroidism and systemic arterial calcification. Three of the four patients showed a unique pattern, by xeroradiography, of extensive medical calcification in subcutaneous arterioles. This noninvasive procedure demonstrated calcium in minute subcutaneous arterioles. Parathyroidectomy, conservative local care, and skin grafting resulted in cure of the cutaneous ulcers in two of the four patients.