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Atypical wounds are probably the most delicate modern medicine topics as well as the most demanding surgical issue. Recently, we submitted an original report of two similar atypical vascular cases at our surgery department. Both presented a rare type of atypical, potentially fatal, vascular illness due to acute ischemic subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis. Because of the strikingly similar common pathophysiological features, Martorell hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer (HYTILU) and calciphylaxis require identical approach and therapy, both systemic and surgical. Even an experienced clinician can easily confuse it with other atypical wounds, namely pyoderma gangrenosum, which due to the corticosteroid induced immunodeficiency can be detrimental, since the two different approach strategies are required. Based on typical localization, necrotic painful skin necroses, progressive local deterioration, often difficult secondary infections along with long term hypertension and diabetes history could elucidate suspicion of ischemic subcutaneous arteriosclerosis. Hypertension (and often diabetes), local findings and histologically proven subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis are mandatory to make the diagnosis. Rapid local amelioration following correct treatment approach additionally confirms the presumed diagnosis. Besides the minutely repetitive surgical debridement, negative wound pressure therapy and split skin transplantation, one should consider systemic medication (analgesics, antioxidants, LMWH, sodium thiosulfate and antibiotics). Considering the cases presented, opportune decisions along with moderate aggressive and modern holistic surgical approach should inevitably resolve hard to heal atypical wounds.

Objectives: To better define the diagnosis and treatment of Martorell hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer (HYTILU) and to compare Martorell HYTILU with calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy) and nonuremic forms of calciphylaxis., Design: Retrospective study from 1999 through 2007., Setting: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland., Participants: Of 330 patients with leg ulcers, 31 had a clinical diagnosis of Martorell HYTILU confirmed by dermatopathologic examination., Main Outcome Measures: Clinical features, suspected diagnosis at initial presentation, cardiovascular risk factors, findings from vascular examination and histologic analysis, specific medical and surgical management, and outcome., Results: Of the 31 patients, all presented with 1 or multiple painful necrotic skin ulcers on the laterodorsal part of the leg, with bilateral involvement in 16 of 31 cases (52%), and 16 were referred with suspected pyoderma gangrenosum. All patients had arterial hypertension, and 18 (58%) had diabetes. All patients had subcutaneous stenotic arteriolosclerosis on histologic analysis, with medial calcification in 22 of 31 of cases (71%). Martorell HYTILU, calciphylaxis, and nonuremic forms of calciphylaxis shared identical histologic features. Of the 31 patients, 29 (94%) were successfully treated with surgical debridement and split-thickness skin grafting. Three patients (9%) died of sepsis, 2 of whom were undergoing immunosuppressive treatment for wrongly diagnosed pyoderma gangrenosum., Conclusions: Ischemic subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis is the hallmark of Martorell HYTILU, calciphylaxis, and the nonuremic forms of calciphylaxis. All patients are hypertensive and approximately 60% are diabetic. Martorell HYTILU can easily be confused with pyoderma gangrenosum, which can be detrimental, since the 2 diseases require a completely different treatment strategy.