Thai Journal of Rheumatology

Omeprazole-induced calcium pyrophosphate disease: case report (Eng)

Angkana Norasetthada — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Calcium pyrophosphate disease is caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in cartilage, causing acute intermittent arthritis or chronic arthritis. Risk factors for calcium pyrophosphate disease include old age. Osteoarthritis is the most common comorbidity. Other risk factors include local joint injury, primary hyperparathyroidism, hereditary hemochromatosis, hypomagnesemia (for example, due to intestinal problems), diseases caused by loss of magnesium in the kidneys (especially Gitelman syndrome), familial hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hereditary calcium pyrophosphate disease. There is evidence that proton pump inhibitors are a clear risk factor for calcium pyrophosphate syndrome. There have been reports of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, proximal renal tubular cell death and chronic kidney disease. But there has been only one case report of calcium pyrophosphate disease associated with the use of proton pump inhibitor. I therefore report on a case of an 82-year-old Thai woman with pseudogouty arthritis and has hypomagnesemia, kidney impairment, proximal renal tubular cell death and uses omeprazole for more than 10 years. When omeprazole was stopped and hypomagnesemia was corrected, it was found that the kidneys were better. There was no more arthritis after 1 year of follow-up.

Rheumatology Quiz (Eng)

Anawat Suesuwan — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A 57-year-old woman with spondyloarthritis presented with a single subcutaneous nodular lesion (Figure 1A, arrow) on the plantar aspect of her left foot for a week. Mild pain at the lesion was precipitated only during walking. Ultrasound examination in longitudinal view of the lesion revealed a fusiform hypoechoic nodule (#) of the plantar fascia (PF). No internal flow was detected on the power Doppler image. (Not shown)

Questions
1. What is her diagnosis?
2. What are the conditions associated with the disease?

Introduction

Editor-in-Chief — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This issue (Issue 1, 2026) presents a collection of academic articles on rheumatology and autoimmune diseases. The journal aims to disseminate scientific knowledge, clinical experiences, and research findings that contribute to improving patient care and advancing medical education in this field.

This issue includes an original research article examining COVID-19 vaccination rates, post-vaccination adverse effects, and perspectives among patients with rheumatic diseases in a university-based teaching hospital in Thailand. In addition, a literature review on uveitis-associated rheumatic diseases for non-ophthalmologists provides practical insights for physicians caring for these patients. The issue also features an interesting case report describing calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease associated with long-term proton pump inhibitor use and hypomagnesemia.

The editorial board hopes that the articles in this issue will be beneficial to clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases.

Editor-in-Chief — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

1. The Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccination Rates, Side Effects and Perspectives of Rheumatic Patients, A Cross-sectional Study in a University-based Teaching Hospital, Thailand.
Nantawan Sutto, Chutimon Sinnok, Noppanan Vihokpaibul,
Intira Intra, Yama Muneechai, Sakchai Chaiyamahapurk,
Bodin Buttham, Patapong Towiwat
1 – 10

2. Uveitis-Associated Rheumatic Disease: For Non-Ophthalmologists.
Vanakamol Katewit, Pitipol Choopong,
Praveena Chiowchanwisawakit
11 – 27

3. Omeprazole-induced calcium pyrophosphate disease: case report.
Angkana Norasetthada
28 - 35

4. Rheumatology Quiz
Anawat Suesuwan
36 – 39

The Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccination Rates, Side Effects and Perspectives of Rheumatic Patients, A Cross-sectional Study in a University-based Teaching Hospital, Thailand (Eng)

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Objective
This study aims to investigate the vaccination rate among rheumatic patients, the incidence of COVID-19 infection in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, the post-vaccination side effects, and opinions regarding the decision whether to vaccinate against COVID-19 infection.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on rheumatic patients at the Department of Medicine, Naresuan University Hospital, Thailand. A questionnaire was developed for the survey.

Results
The total number of rheumatic patients was 384, and 363 individuals (94.5%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. Among those who received at least 2 doses, the COVID-19 infection rate was 44.69%. In the groups of patients who received either one dose or no vaccine, the COVID-19 infection rate was 57.69%. Eighty-three patients (22.86%) had adverse effects, predominantly fever and fatigue. Among those receiving vaccination, 71.34% decided to protect themselves from COVID-19 infection, while among those who decided not to get vaccinated, 85.71% opted out because of vaccine side effects. Regarding the relationship between factors leading rheumatic patients to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, no statistically significant factors were found (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion
The majority of rheumatic patients received the COVID-19 vaccine. Patients who received the full dosage of the vaccine had a lower infection rate. Most side effects were mild. Patients mainly chose to vaccinate themselves for self-protection against infection, while others chose not to vaccinate due to concern about vaccine side effects. Furthermore, no factors correlated with COVID-19 vaccination among rheumatic patients.

Uveitis-Associated Rheumatic Disease: For Non-Ophthalmologists (Eng)

Vanakamol Katevit, Pitipol Choopong, Praveena Chiowchanwisawakit — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Uveitis is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Its etiology is classified into infectious, non-infectious, and idiopathic categories. Among non-infectious cases, uveitis associated with rheumatic diseases is common. Effective management of uveitis and identification of underlying rheumatic conditions are crucial. Therefore, interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and internists or rheumatologists is essential. To achieve this, non-ophthalmologists need a solid understanding of uveitis, including ocular anatomy, classification, clinical features, rheumatic disease associations, and current treatment strategies. These aspects will be addressed in this review.

Thai Journal of Rheumatology

Omeprazole-induced calcium pyrophosphate disease: case report (Eng)

Rheumatology Quiz (Eng)

Introduction

Contents

The Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccination Rates, Side Effects and Perspectives of Rheumatic Patients, A Cross-sectional Study in a University-based Teaching Hospital, Thailand (Eng)

Uveitis-Associated Rheumatic Disease: For Non-Ophthalmologists (Eng)