[Pseudopodagra caused by hydroxyapatite. Report of 3 cases]

Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals deposit in periarticular soft tissues usually translates itself clinically through pain and mobility limitation of affected joint. Compromise of small joints in feet is infrequent, less than 1% of all cases. Recently pseudopodagra crises have been described due to the deposit of this material in soft tissues adjacent to metatarsal or phalangeal first joint. Its clinical expression is practically undistinguishable from gout crises. Three new cases of pseudopodagra due to hidroxyamatite are presented and some considerations are made concerning this clinical entity and its differential diagnosis in relation to gout.