Pseudogout of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Associated with Hallux Valgus

Abstract

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease has various clinical features, and pseudogout is one of the six clinical forms. Chondrocalcinosis is the term used to describe the radiographic appearance of the disease. A review of the literature revealed that the appearance of this type of arthropathy in the foot is infrequent. We offer a review of the disease and report an atypical bilateral case of pseudogout in a patient 56 years of age without a history who presented with symptoms of arthritis localized in the first metatarsophalangeal joint associated with hallux valgus and was treated surgically. Radiographic evaluation of the feet did not reveal signs of chondrocalcinosis. The patient had no metabolic abnormalities, except for high uric acid values. Chemical analysis of the surgical samples demonstrated the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals, confirming the diagnosis. We believe that arthropathy by deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate in the foot, although rare, must be considered in the podiatric physician’s differential diagnosis when a patient presents with articular pain in the foot associated or not with deformities. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 100(2): 138–142, 2010)