Severe Subcutaneous Calcification in an Interferon-β-treated MS Patient.

We previously reported a 53-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis showing acrocyanosis (1). She had multiple sclerosis at 34 years of age and began interferon-β (IFNB)-1b treatment at 42 years. She felt pain at the injection site at 52 years of age. Two months later, she frequently observed bending of the 30-gauge needle used for IFNB-1b injection. At 53 years of age, IFNB-1b treatment was switched to IFNB-1a because of injection site pain. Two months later, she developed acrocyanosis. Computed tomography revealed multiple subcutaneous high-density lesions at the previous injection sites in both thighs (Picture A). X-rays and an ultrasound analysis showed multiple subcutaneous calcifications (Picture B and C). The serum intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, and interleukin-6 levels were normal upon discontinuing IFNB-1a. The serum antinuclear antibodies were increased by 160-fold. Lobular panniculitis was reported at the subcutaneous IFNB injection site (2). However, the precise calcification mechanism at the injection site has not been determined.

Picture.

The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).