Role of sodium thiosulfate therapy in the treatment of digital necrosis due to Mönckeberg sclerosis.

Accelerated vascular calcification is a well-described complication of chronic kidney disease often affecting large and small vessels alike through a variety of mechanisms. Accordingly, dysregulation of calcium and phosphate balance, vitamin D metabolism, hyperparathyroidism, and endothelial injury can lead to both macrovascular and microvascular complications. We describe a 56-year-old Hispanic male with a history of end-stage renal disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and medical noncompliance who developed sequential digital ischemia and necrosis involving both hands as well as right foot as a result of Mönckeberg sclerosis.

Erectile dysfunction associated with scleroderma: a case-control study of men with scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To determine if men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate the temporal relationship of ED related to rheumatologic disease.

Methods: Men with SSc identified from the practices of 2 rheumatologists were age matched to men with RA and were sent a standardized, validated questionnaire (SHIM IIEF-5) to assess ED and related factors. The questionnaire also addressed information on the subject's overall health and rheumatic disease status.