Calcific Tendonitis of the Longus Colli Muscle: A Noninfectious Cause of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection
Joint Authors
Rahmanian, Ronak
Diamond, Chris
Source
Case Reports in Otolaryngology
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-4, 4 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-11-24
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
4
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Calcific tendonitis of the longus colli (CTLC) muscle is an underrecognized cause of spontaneous acute or subacute neck pain, dysphagia, or odynophagia.
Imaging may reveal a retropharyngeal fluid collection leading to the presumed diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess.
Recognition of this uncommon presentation is important to prevent unnecessary surgical incision and drainage.
A 44-year-old otherwise healthy male presented with a 2-week history of progressive neck pain, stiffness, and odynophagia.
A noncontrast CT scan of the cervical spine revealed a retropharyngeal fluid collection with a small area of calcification anterior to C2.
There was a presumed diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess.
The patient was afebrile with normal vital signs.
Flexible nasolaryngoscopy was unremarkable.
C-reactive protein was elevated but all other bloodwork was normal with no evidence of an infective process.
A CT scan was repeated with IV contrast showing no enhancement around the fluid collection.
A diagnosis of CTLC was made.
The patient was successfully managed with a short course of intravenous steroids and oral NSAIDs with complete resolution of symptoms.
Clinically CTLC can mimic more serious disease processes.
Identifying pathognomonic imaging findings often confirms the diagnosis.
Awareness of this condition by the otolaryngologist will ensure proper patient management and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Rahmanian, Ronak& Diamond, Chris. 2014. Calcific Tendonitis of the Longus Colli Muscle: A Noninfectious Cause of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection. Case Reports in Otolaryngology،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1017494
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Rahmanian, Ronak& Diamond, Chris. Calcific Tendonitis of the Longus Colli Muscle: A Noninfectious Cause of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection. Case Reports in Otolaryngology No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1017494
American Medical Association (AMA)
Rahmanian, Ronak& Diamond, Chris. Calcific Tendonitis of the Longus Colli Muscle: A Noninfectious Cause of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection. Case Reports in Otolaryngology. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1017494
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1017494