SAT222 More Than Skin Deep: A Case Of Psoriasis Associated With Hypoparathyroidism

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: G. Sheth: None. M. Alsayed: None. Introduction: Primary hypoparathyroidism is commonly encountered post-surgically, however isolated cases are rarely seen without clear risk factors. Severely low calcium levels have been shown to correlate with flare ups and worsening of psoriasis. Treatment of hypocalcemia has been thought to improve and prevent the progression of this skin rash. This case highlights an interesting presentation of psoriasis in which the severity was likely related to hypocalcemia. Clinical Case: 25 y/o F with no prior past medical history presented to the emergency room with diffusely worsening skin rash and fever. She had bilateral erythematous plaques on her anterior legs for a few months that was progressively worsening. A few days prior, she started noticing erythema and scaling on her upper body and back. Her on arrival labs were remarkable for a calcium level of 4.5 mg/dL (8.8-10.4). Patient declined any symptoms at the time but did state she had noticed tingling in her face and hand/foot cramps occurring on and off over the last 6 months. Her EKG was remarkable for a mildly prolonged QT interval. She was treated with IV calcium gluconate 4 grams without improvement in her calcium. She ultimately was placed on a calcium gluconate drip and oral calcium carbonate 2 grams every 2 hours. Meanwhile, her work up revealed a PTH of <6 pg/mL, phosphate of 7 mg/dL, magnesium of 1.7 mg/dL, and vitamin D of 23 ng/mL. To elucidate the cause of her newly diagnosed primary hypoparathyroidism, iron studies were ordered to rule out hemochromatosis and ceruloplasmin to rule out Wilson’s disease, both of which returned negative. She had no history of radiation therapy or prior blood transfusions. She denied any family history of calcium disorders. Therefore, PTH antibody testing was sent to a send out lab and is currently pending. Patient was ultimately weaned off of the calcium drip with low normal calcium values around 7.5-8.5 mg/dL. She was placed on calcium carbonate 2 grams every 6 hours with plans for close outpatient labs and follow up. She was seen by dermatology in the hospital and was diagnosed with erythrodermic psoriasis. She was given an IL-17 inhibitor, Taltz, with significant improvement in her rash over her 2 day hospital stay. Conclusions: This case brings to light the importance of a thorough investigation of primary hypoparathyroidism and to recognize the rare genetic or autoimmune etiology as a possibility. Additionally, this case identifies the association of psoriasis with hypocalcemia. Studies have recognized a correlation of severity of psoriasis in patients with low calcium as was seen in this patient. Moreover, treatment with calcium supplementation may have a role in improving skin manifestations. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023