Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2022 Jul 27;142(11). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.21.0808. Print 2022 Aug 16.
[Article in English, Norwegian]

Abstract

Background: Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is an aseptic inflammatory reaction to calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in the cervical prevertebral space.

Case presentation: A 40-year-old woman presented with neck pain and odonyphagia. She had reduced mobility in her neck, tenderness to palpation and elevated CRP with normal leukocyte count and sedimentation rate. CT revealed a fluid collection in the retropharyngeal space and a calcific deposition in the longus colli muscle consistent with calcific tendinitis. She improved with NSAID therapy. Blood cultures taken on arrival showed no growth.

Interpretation: Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is an aseptic inflammatory process in the cervical prevertebral space and an important mimicker of retropharyngeal abscess and spondylodiscitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Calcinosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neck Muscles / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck Pain / etiology
  • Tendinopathy* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tendinopathy* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal