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Regression of calcinosis cutis after inkless tattoo in a patient with dermatomyositis: therapeutic potential of microneedling

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Abstract

Calcinosis cutis is defined as abnormal deposition of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Dystrophic calcification, the most common form of calcinosis cutis, is associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases. This condition is associated with severe pain and can affect the patient’s quality of life and lead to long-term disability. Treatment is often challenging, and there is a very limited evidence base for potential treatments of calcinosis cutis associated with systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Inkless tattoo is very similar to microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure stimulating the wound-healing cascade contributing to elastin and collagen formation as well as neovascularization. This technique has not been reported as a potential therapeutic option for calcinosis cutis. Here, we present a patient with calcinosis cutis in the setting of dermatomyositis that responded dramatically to inkless tattoo application. Our results support the need for future studies of microneedling in patients with this disorder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur DrM/C 5103, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA

    Yasaman Motlaghzadeh & Deborah E. Sellmeyer

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Academic Institute at Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, USA

    Laila S. Tabatabai

  3. Department of Radiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Eric Longo

Authors
  1. Yasaman Motlaghzadeh
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  2. Laila S. Tabatabai
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  3. Eric Longo
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  4. Deborah E. Sellmeyer
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Correspondence to Deborah E. Sellmeyer.

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Motlaghzadeh, Y., Tabatabai, L.S., Longo, E. et al. Regression of calcinosis cutis after inkless tattoo in a patient with dermatomyositis: therapeutic potential of microneedling. Osteoporos Int 33, 2449–2452 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-022-06501-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-022-06501-z

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