Metabolic skin signs: calcinosis cutis: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Metabolic skin signs: calcinosis cutis

Sample item

A woman with limited systemic sclerosis has firm white chalky nodules on the fingertips that discharge a chalky material, with normal serum calcium and phosphate. Which type of calcinosis is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Dystrophic calcification

Dystrophic calcinosis cutis occurs in damaged tissue despite normal serum calcium and phosphate, as in systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis and lupus panniculitis. Metastatic calcification follows abnormal calcium or phosphate, such as in chronic kidney disease. Treatment is difficult.

Option by option

  • A. Metastatic calcification

    Metastatic calcification requires abnormal mineral levels.

  • B. Iatrogenic calcification

    Iatrogenic calcification follows calcium infusions or injections.

  • C. Idiopathic calcification

    Idiopathic calcification occurs without underlying disease.

  • D. Dystrophic calcification (correct)

    Correct. Normal calcium and phosphate with tissue damage indicates dystrophic calcification.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Dystrophic calcification. Dystrophic calcinosis cutis occurs in damaged tissue despite normal serum calcium and phosphate, as in systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis and lupus panniculitis.

Why is "Metastatic calcification" not the answer?

Metastatic calcification requires abnormal mineral levels.

Why is "Iatrogenic calcification" not the answer?

Iatrogenic calcification follows calcium infusions or injections.

Why is "Idiopathic calcification" not the answer?

Idiopathic calcification occurs without underlying disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Metabolic skin signs: calcinosis cutis in Dermatology. Metastatic calcification follows abnormal calcium or phosphate, such as in chronic kidney disease. Treatment is difficult.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Metabolic skin signs: calcinosis cutis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.