Calcinosis cutis in a background of chronic viral infection: Report of 2 cases: Diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology

Calcinosis cutis is an uncommon entity which develops due to the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals of calcium phosphate in the skin. As the calcific deposits can clinically mimic a tumor, it is feasible to investigate them by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). In this study, we describe two cases of calcinosis cutis that were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA). Both the patients presented with nodular lesions in hand and sacrococcygeal region respectively. Aspiration yielded chalky white material. FNA smears showed flakes of amorphous material indicating calcium along with few macrophages. The presence of amorphous calcium salts along with histiocytes in the appropriate clinical settings is diagnostic of calcinosis cutis. The cases are interesting, since both the patients have positive viral markers and are suffering from debilitating diseases.