An unusual case of acute pseudogout in the hand masquerading as cellulitis

RATIONALE: The wrist joint represents one of the most commonly affected anatomical sites in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, yet it remains underreported in the literature, frequently leading to diagnostic errors. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of acute pseudogout of the wrist whose symptoms mimicked cellulitis. Our patient presented with a swollen hand, which was initially treated as acute cellulitis with antibiotics, but without any improvement. DIAGNOSES: A final diagnosis of acute chondrocalcinosis was made based on multiple intra-articular calcifications. OUTCOMES: The patient's symptoms were significantly relieved, and her inflammation markers were markedly reduced after glucocorticoid administration. LESSONS: Pseudogout of the wrist can present with a pseudocellulitis appearance in the acute phase. Early accurate diagnosis can help physicians provide adequate treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.