Chondrocalcinosis (pseudogout) after surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Report of a case and review of the literature

We are reporting the case of a 61-year-old female who developed an acute arthritis following parathyroidectomy because a primary hyperparathyroidism. The diagnosis of chondrocalcinosis or pseudogout was made by the clinical presentation, radiologic findings and demonstration of synovial fluid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. Rapid drops in serum calcium levels after removal of the adenoma may precipitate these acute articular inflammatory attacks that are not so uncommon as we can recognize if a bibliographic review about that association is performed.