Calcification of Joints and Arteries (CALJA) Is a Rare Cause of Arthritis and Lower Limb Ischemia: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Calcification of Joints and Arteries (CALJA) is a rare disease that leads to chronic arthritis lower limb claudication due hydroxyapatite crystal deposition. The caused by mutations in the 5-nucleotidase ( NT5E ) gene, which responsible for pyrophosphate metabolism. Only 23 cases have been described so far. In this case report, we describe new CALJA provide literature review. A 65-year-old woman was referred Rheumatology Unit with diagnosis seronegative oligo-arthritis. She complained claudication, becoming progressively worse. Doppler ultrasound revealed bilateral obliteration popliteal femoral arteries, X-rays knees, hands, feet showed extensive periarticular calcific deposits. results gene analysis were positive an inactivating variant, leading CALJA. clinical features are deposition at vascular levels abnormalities Currently, no specific treatment available, although trial on use etidronate ongoing. Patients often treated immunosuppressant agents suspect inflammatory rheumatologic diseases. Our first symptoms steady increase markers improved only after colchicine therapy initiation. It crucial rheumatologist recognize keep it mind differential patients arterial insufficiency or early osteoarthritis joint calcification.