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.