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142 ATYPICAL CAUSES OF LEG ULCERATION
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excessive accumulation of calcium in the small blood vessels within the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue (Baby etal.2019), usually as a consequence of problems with calcium and phosphorous metabolism. The more common areas for calciphylaxis to develop are those with larger amounts of adipose tissue, such as the lower limb and abdomen (Isoherranen etal.2019). It can also be associated with hyperparathyroidism (the parathyroid glands in the neck are responsible for regulation of blood calcium levels) (Roncada etal.2012).
Calciphylaxis is a life- threatening condition with a very poor prognosis, even if detected in its early stages; the one- year mortality rate has been calculated at between 45% and 80% (Bliss2002; Roncada etal.2012) and it is closely associated with septicaemia.
History
An existing history of ESRF will be a key marker when assessing for potential calciphylaxis. There is a documented link between the development of calciphylaxis and the length of time for which patients require dialysis, with the risk increasing after two years of treatment (Nigwekar etal.2018).
Some of the risk factors associated with calciphylaxis include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, certain medications including warfarin, and coagulation disorders (Nigwekar et al. 2018). Suggestions for why calciphylaxis is at higher risk of developing alongside these factors include their link to chronic renal disease, dialysis and a potential role of autoimmunity, although for many risk factors the cause is unknown (Nigwekar etal.2018). It is also more prevalent in females (Kuypers2009).
Examination
Calciphylaxis in the early stages is characterised by the presence of dusky and mottled skin that is usually extremely painful (Figure3.11), which can progress to necrotic lesions and non­ulceration (Figure 3.12), often within a few days (Kodumudi etal.2020; Nigwekar etal.2018). Areas of necrosis are irregular and typically have inamed and undermining borders (Isoherranen etal.2019).
healing areas of
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FIGURE3.11 Dusky, mottled skin seen in early stages of calciphylaxis.
Source: Ng and Peng2011 / John Wiley & Sons. Reproduced withpermission.
FIGURE3.12 Necrotic lesion from calciphylaxis.
Source: Dissemond etal.2018 / John Wiley & Sons. Reproduced withpermission.
Investigations
The investigations include blood tests to identify high levels of calcium and phosphate and parathyroid hormone abnormalities. An X- ray and bone scan can also be useful adjuncts to detect calcication.
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A skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions that can present similarly, although there is some debate over whether additional skin trauma may worsen the progression of the disease (Chang2019).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of calciphylaxis can be challenging due to the other conditions that can present with similar symptoms, such as cellulitis, vasculitis and warfarin- induced skin necrosis (Nigwekar etal.2018). Calciphylaxis also shares common clinical patterns with Martorell’s ulcers (Isoherranen etal.2019). Key indicators present in the medical history, such as ESRF, need to be considered; blood tests and X- ray results can often be inconclusive (Chang2019). A multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis can be useful to reach an agreement due to the multiple dierential diagnoses for the condition and the complexities associated with co- morbidities.
Investigation results, such as high calcium and phosphate blood levels, may support the diagnosis, as evidence of clear calcication seen on the X- ray. If a biopsy is taken, usual ndings include calci­cation of vessel walls, thrombosis and infarction (Oakley2016).
Intervention
Treatment for calciphylaxis begins with the management of any known risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and associated medications (Isoherranen etal.2019). Patients may also be treated with medication such as intravenous sodium thiosulfate during their dialysis sessions, and dialysis regimes may become more aggressive to ensure that cal­cium and phosphate levels are managed (Nigwekar etal.2018).
Smaller ulcers are usually managed conservatively or with minor debridement, but larger areas may be treated with skin grafts (Isoherranen etal.2019). Antibiotics are often required since the risk of developing a wound infection increases as necrosis progresses.
Patients typically experience acute ischaemic pain with calciphylaxis, due to the damage to tissues from ischaemia and infarction as small vessels are occluded. Some patients also experience neuropathic pain with this condition. The pain can vary from patient to patient, such as a constant background pain that is exacerbated on
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movement or during procedures, or breakthrough pain that is unprovoked (Chinnadurai etal.2020). First- line treatment for pain usually involves opioid- based analgesia, with paracetamol and anti­seizure drugs, such as gabapentin, used as adjuvants and for managing nerve pain. Consideration needs to be given to impaired renal function in those patients with calciphylaxis associated with renal failure and the potential for medication toxicity. With the level of pain usually experienced by patients with calciphylaxis, input from a pain management specialist is recommended.
The primary management aim is the removal of necrotic tissue, following a specialist and multidisciplinary review. Dietitian advice should be sought to support optimisation of nutritional needs (helpful for promoting wound healing) and the control of calcium and phosphorous intake by limiting certain foods in the diet (Hess 2002). Local wound care measures, exudate and odour management and decontamination using local antimicrobial cleansers and treatments should form part of the wound management plan. The use and tolerance of compression therapy will be dependent on the presence of oedema and the need to control exudate.
MALIGNANT/NEOPLASTIC WOUNDS
As with other unusual aetiologies, lower limb wounds that are unresponsive to standard treatments should raise suspicion of an atypical cause, which can include malignancy/skin cancer. There is also the potential that the wound has undergone a malignant transformation from an otherwise benign aetiology. Clinicians managing leg ulcers need to be familiar with the normal characteristics of common leg ulcer aetiologies to be able to identify abnormalities such as malignancy. Primary skin cancers that ulcerate when located on the leg are often misdiagnosed as chronic leg ulcers (Senet2014).
Neoplastic or malignant ulcers can be classied as primary skin cancers or as metastatic secondary skin cancers. Primary cancers result from the direct extension of a tumour to the skin surface, initially presenting as an inamed and indurated area with pain, tenderness and sometimes an ‘orange peel’ appearance. This area can go on to ulcerate and proliferate as the tumour grows, becoming commonly referred to as fungating wounds.
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Metastatic tumours occur when detached cells from the initial site travel to other organs, including the skin (Rayner etal. 2009). Between 5% and 15% of patients with metastatic cancer will develop a fungating wound (Stringer etal.2014).
Research suggests that around 2–4% of leg ulcers are found to be malignant (Misciali etal.2013), although one study indicated a prev­alence as high as 10.4% (Senet etal. 2012). Their appearance can range from completely innocent- looking lesions typical of a chronic leg ulcer to more overt growths. When mimicking a chronic leg ulcer, the malignancy will often present as a single area of ulceration with indurated or pigmented edges (Senet 2014). It is suggested that abnormal excessive granulation tissue, particularly at the wound edges, can be highly indicative of a malignant leg ulcer, as can abnor­mal bleeding (Senet etal.2012). It should be remembered that not all malignant lesions will ulcerate, so anything atypical in appearance should be investigated further– early diagnosis can reduce the risk of metastases developing and of a simpler and potentially less complex and disguring treatment (Hayes and Dodds 2003). Also, it should not be assumed that multiple ulcers to the same limb are of the same aetiology.
Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma andMarjolin’s Ulcers
The most common types of primary skin cancers that occur on the lower limb are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SCC and malignant mela­noma (MM) (Table3.6). BCCs and SCCs are sometimes referred to as ‘non- melanoma skin cancers’ or keratinocyte carcinomas as they arise from the keratinocyte cells in the skin (Karimkhani etal.2015), whereas melanomas arise from melanocytes.
BCCs are sometimes referred to as ‘rodent ulcers’, a traditional term coined because the ulcerated area may look like a tiny rodent bite on the skin. Some SCCs may be referred to as Bowen’s disease, or squamous cell carcinoma in situ, indicating a precursor to SCC before the development of any invasive malignancy (Shimizu et al. 2011). These typically present as multiple, supercial, scaly, irregular plaques most commonly to the legs, and can be treated with a variety of options following a diagnostic biopsy, including excision, cryotherapy and photodynamic therapy (Tillman2004).
TABLE3.6 Key risk factors andpresentation ofbasal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
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and malignant melanoma (MM).
BCC SCC MM
Risk factors/history All of these skin cancers are more common in people with pale skin and light hair (blond/red)
and light eye colour and in areas of sun- exposed skin
Twice as common in men than women No sex- associated risk globally
Intermittent intense
sun exposure
Cumulative pattern of
sun exposure
Smoking (Diepgen and
Maher2002)
Varying patterns of sun exposure High number of moles on the
skin– 80% arise as new moles rather than changes in an existing mole
Family or personal history
of melanoma
(Continued)
TABLE3.6 (Continued)
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BCC SCC MM
Typical
presentation/ examination
Development Localised, slow growing
Source: Adapted from Freak (2005); Rayner etal. (2009); Senet (2014). Photos from Price etal. (2022) / John Wiley & Sons. Reproduced with permission.
Tend to be supercial Can be cystic, nodular or
keratotic (crusting)
Start as a red, dome-
shaped nodule with visible capillaries that may be pigmented
Can develop necrosis and
ulceration with a rolled edge as they grow
If ulcerated– often have
well- dened borders with a ‘pearly’ appear­ance to the wound edge
over years, minimally invasive and rarely metastasise
Firm, nodular,
crusted lesions
Can ulcerate as they grow
and have a propensity to develop secondary infections
Often have rolled and/or
raised edges and hyper- granulation tissue in the wound bed
Locally invasive, grow
noticeably in months and with potential to metastasise
Pigmented lesion/mole that has
changed in shape, size and/or colour– can have uneven pigmen­tation, irregular borders and be slightly raised from the skin surface
Most commonly presents on the legs
in women and trunk/back in men
Some types are associated with nail
beds and the soles of feet and are more common with Asian skin
Can become amelanotic (non-
pigmented)– skin- coloured, pink, red or purple
Some types are associated with
spontaneous bleeding, and if ulcerate often have darkly pig­mented borders and peri-
Aggressive development with high
risk of metastasising, particularly if diagnosis is delayed
ulcer skin
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Other types of malignant leg ulcers or lesions are Marjolin’s ulcers (which usually evolve from SCCs), Kaposi’s sarcoma and cutaneous presentations of lymphoma that can result in leg ulcers (Senet2014). Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma, which is unrelated to human immunodeciency virus (HIV), usually presents as multiple dark blue macules (at, distinct, discoloured areas of skin) that progress to larger plaques and tumours/lesions (Senet2014). They are usually conned to the lower limb and frequently appear on both legs.
Marjolin’s ulcers are malignant transformations that occur over many years in chronic wounds of another aetiology, including chronic leg ulcers. They were named after the French Physicist Jean-
Nicolas Marjolin, who rst described them in 1827 (Senet,2014). Marjolin’s ulcers are very rare, estimated to occur in 1.7% of chronic wounds, and typically consisting of SCCs, although other types of skin cancers have been identied more rarely (Trent and Kirsner 2003). These ulcers have been shown to be more aggressive and metastasise more often than if a new SCC was to develop directly on the skin (Senet2014). Marjolin’s ulcers are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to a poor prognosis and mortality rate of around 21% (Saaiq and Ashraf 2014). Their underlying cause is largely unknown, although suggestions include occurrence due to constantly dividing skin cells trying to resurface a chronic wound (Menendez and Warriner 2006) and chronic inammation from chronic venous insuciency (CVI) as contributing factors (Isoherranen etal.2019).
History
The incidence of primary skin cancer can relate to age, with rates rising signicantly in the over 50s and peaking in the over 75s, although a quarter of melanomas are diagnosed in the under 50 age group (Jones etal.2020). Over 60 is also the age group when venous insuciency and/or PAD are most frequent, hence the potential for misdiagnosis. Table3.3 outlines some of the key risk factors to look for in a patient’s history that can be indicative of BCC, SCC or MM, of which sun exposure is common to all.
Marjolin’s ulcers can have a very long latent time over which they transform, usually over 10 years and often much longer (Combemale etal.2007). The long duration of a pre- existing ulcer is one of the key factors for diagnosing this type of malignant leg
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wound. They are also associated with sites of previously healed burns, traumatic injury and osteomyelitis (Menendez and Warriner2006). Suspicion should be raised if the patient is reporting sudden or unexpected changes in a long­new pain, foul- smelling discharge, increased volume of exudate or change in nodular appearance to the wound bed (Choa etal.2015).
Examination
Ulcers on the calf are unusual when of vascular origin or diabetes related, so the location of a wound in this area is worth investigating for an atypical cause, usually either malignancy, infection or vasculitis (White1999).
The presence of apparent granulation tissue that is nodular (like a cauliower), raised, budding, exuberant, translucent, shiny or rolling over the wound edge should raise suspicion of malignancy (Harris etal.1993; Poccia etal.2014; Tchanque- Fossuo etal.2018) (Figures3.13 and3.14). Other key signs suggestive of malignancy include (Harris etal.1993; Poccia etal.2014):
standing wound, such as
FIGURE3.13 Basal cell carcinoma presenting as a leg ulcer– note the
raised granulation tissue with raised borders. The ulcer was unresponsive to standard treatment. Source: Misciali etal. (2013) / John Wiley & Sons. Reproduced with permission.
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FIGURE3.14 Amelanotic malignant melanoma disguised as a diabetic
foot ulcer– note exuberant granulation tissue. Source: Gregson and Allain (2004) / John Wiley & Sons. Reproduced with permission.
Islands of epithelium (new skin produced within the wound bed)
that form but do not continue to produce healed tissue and often break down again.
Firm indurated surrounding skin unrelated to venous
skin changes.
Unusual pain or bleeding.
Necrosis may be evident as the malignancy progresses, and large volumes of exudate are associated with the invasion of the lymphatic system by malignant cells (Adderley and Holt2014).
Marjolin’s ulcers may not always exhibit classical malignant changes such as an abnormal wound edge, raised crusty growths or bleeding, but are more likely to have an irregular wound bed and hyper- granulation (Choa etal.2015) (Figure3.15). The key sign for Marjolin’s ulcers along with their long duration is an increase in size despite appropriate treatment.
A clinical knowledge summary from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE2022a) on melanoma recommends that suspicious skin lesions should be assessed using a weighted seven- point checklist (Table 3.7) (Mackie 1990), with any lesion
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