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Definition

noun, plural: calciphylaxes

A local calcification (or calcium deposition) in tissues in response to induced hypersensitivity following systemic sensitization by a calcifying factor (such as vitamin D) and a challenging agent (such as a metallic salt).

Supplement

Calciphylaxis is previously used to describe the calcium deposition in the wall of cutaneous vessels characterized by medial vessel wall calcification and intimal hyperplasia. This condition is now termed calcific uraemic arteriolopathy.

Word origin: coined by Hans Selye in 1962 to describe anaphylactic inflammation and tissue calcifications in his experimental rodent models.
Related forms: calciphylactic (adjective)

See also: heart of stone