Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli: An uncommon cause of neck pain

Abstract

Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli is an uncommon disease with unknown incidence, caused by the deposit of calcium hydroxyapatite in the superior oblique tendon of the longus colli. We report a case of A 57-year-old woman with a history of a thyroglossal cyst, presented in the emergency department with severe neck pain, odynophagia, and a biological inflammatory syndrome. The CT scan showed calcifications in the longus colli muscle (LCM) in front of the C1-C2 level with poorly defined margins, a thickening of the prevertebral soft tissue measured at 15 mm, with no evidence of abscess formation. The diagnosis of resorbed calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle was established. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs with a complete resolution of symptoms after. Radiologists should be aware of the pathognomonic imaging feature of Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli to guide physicians and to avoid invasive treatment and over-prescription of antibiotics, after excluding life-threatening diseases.

Keywords

• Inflammatory neck pain
• Longus colli tendinitis
• Retropharyngeal calcific tendonitis