The effect of diltiazem on calcinosis in a patient with the crest syndrome

作者：Maged J. Farah, Genaro M. A. Palmieri, Jeno I. Sebes, Michael A. Cremer, JAMES D. MASSIE, Robert S. Pinals · 发表于：Arthritis & Rheumatism · 年份：1990 · DOI：10.1002/art.1780330834 · 被引用次数：57 · 研究领域：Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies、Inflammatory Myopathies and Dermatomyositis、Heterotopic Ossification and Related Conditions

We describe a patient with a 23-year history of progressive calcinosis and features of the CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasias) who was treated with diltiazem, 240 mg/day, for 5 years. No clinical exacerbation of calcinosis occurred during treatment. Radiographs showed no new lesions, and there was reduction in the size of the existing lesions. Bone scans revealed a progressive decrease in the uptake of the radionuclide by soft tissue foci. We propose that diltiazem may stop the progression of calcinosis by reducing the cellular calcium influx in affected tissues.