Gitelman's syndrome associated with chondrocalcinosis: a case report

Abstract

Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is a rare disease with autosomal recessive trait, characterized by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypocalciuria and hyperkinemic hyperaldosteronism. While muscle weakness, tetany, stomachache, nausea and fever are very common, it could sometimes be completely asymptomatic as is the case in our patient. It is generally benign, but some severe complications like growth retardation and, though rare, paralysis and cardiac arrest could also be seen. A 57-year-old male patient sent to our hospital for further examination because of hypokalemia was diagnosed with GS as a result of clinical and laboratory assessments. Potassium and magnesium replacement was started. We are presenting our case seeing that GS is not a syndrome to be overlooked as it bears a risk of severe complications, although it might be asymptomatic until advanced ages.