Step 1: Calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy) is a rare, serious disorder marked by systemic medial calcification of the small arterioles, which causes ischaemia and painful subcutaneous necrosis with skin ulceration.
Step 2: It is one of several forms of extra-osseous (metastatic) calcification, alongside intimal, medial and valvular calcification, that complicate disordered calcium and phosphate metabolism.
Step 3: This deranged mineral metabolism is typical of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and calciphylaxis occurs most often in ESRD patients on haemodialysis. The retained phosphate and secondary hyperparathyroidism drive vascular calcification.
Step 4: Hyperthyroidism and medullary thyroid carcinoma are not classic settings for calciphylaxis, and parathyroidectomy is part of management rather than a cause. ESRD is the strongest association.