Treatment of calcinosis with diltiazem.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To test the hypothesis that the calcium antagonist diltiazem is effective in the treatment of calcinosis.

METHODS:

Diltiazem, 240-480 mg/day, was given to 4 patients with idiopathic or CREST-related (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasias) calcinosis for 1-12 years. Serial radiographs of the affected areas, using identical technique, and clinical evaluations were obtained. A fifth patient, who did not tolerate diltiazem, received verapamil, 120 mg/day for 18 months.

RESULTS:

All patients taking diltiazem had a reduction or disappearance of the calcific lesions, with striking clinical improvement. One patient's case was followed for 12 years. The response to diltiazem during the first 5 years of treatment has been previously reported in detail; however, over 7 years of additional treatment, there was further reduction of the lesions. One patient developed a large calcific lesion while receiving verapamil for hypertension, and after verapamil was replaced with diltiazem, there was a dramatic response. Verapamil was ineffective in the fifth patient, who did not tolerate diltiazem.

CONCLUSION:

Long-term treatment with diltiazem, but not verapamil, is effective in calcinosis.

• Authors: G M Palmieri, J I Sebes, J A Aelion, M Moinuddin, M W Ray, G C Wood, M R Leventhal
• Journal: Arthritis and rheumatism (Arthritis Rheum) Vol. 38 Issue 11 Pg. 1646-54 (Nov 1995) ISSN: 0004-3591 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7488286 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Diltiazem

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Calcinosis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Calcium Channel Blockers (therapeutic use)
• Diltiazem (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans