Longstanding Hypoparathyroidism in a Fifty-two-year-old Woman Misdiagnosed As Spondyloarthropathy

Introduction: Hypoparathyroidism might cause various musculoskeletal findings, resembling Spondyloarthropathies.

Case Presentation: We described a 52-year-old woman, diagnosed as a case of undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy for ten years, who was unresponsive to classic anti-inflammatory therapies. She developed anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and had elevated muscle enzymes during the course of disease. On a routine checkup, marked hypocalcemia and suppressed parathyroid hormone levels were found. Calcium and calcitriol therapy led to clinical and laboratory improvement.

Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing rheumatic manifestations of hypoparathyroidism to preclude unnecessary treatments. Serum calcium should be included in the diagnostic workup of these patients.