Successful treatment of an infected wound involving calciphylaxis via vacuum sealing drainage: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The treatment of a complex calciphylaxis wound with infection continues to be a significant challenge in a clinical situation. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of an 87-year-old man presented with a nontraumatic painful ulcer on his right heel. Calciphylaxis was diagnosed by the biopsy. Although a serial therapy of sodium thiosulphate, tramadol hydrochloride, frequent dressing changes, and conventional surgical debridement initiated, the worsening skin wound covered with a necrotic base and blackish eschar was formed. Skin cultures returned positive for the growth of proteus mirabilis. Subsequently, the usage of vacuum sealing drainage appeared to be effective. A complete resolution occurred 12 weeks after vacuum sealing drainage therapy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The infected wound due to calciphylaxis is not uncommon. Vacuum sealing drainage technique demonstrated the effective approach to deal with wound infections, especially in the early stage. As the initial measures of wound care, serial debridement and sodium thiosulphate treatment have not slowed down the progress of the disease in this case, the vacuum sealing drainage along with the creative use of topical antibiotic flushing provided the best solution to promote healing of the infected field. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that vacuum sealing drainage technique could be considered in patients presenting with an infected wound involving calciphylaxis.