Pseudohyperparathyroidism. Syndrome associated with aluminum intoxication in patients with renal failure

Aluminum intoxication is an increasingly frequent complication of chronic renal failure. Because hypercalcemia, elevated parathyroid hormone levels, and radiologic changes said to be typical of osteitis fibrosa commonly occur with aluminum intoxication, it is frequently confused with hyperparathyroidism. In this report, examples of this dilemma are described. The pathophysiology leading to the confusing clinical picture is discussed, with a suggested approach to the problem.