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A mimicker of meningitis, retropharyngeal abscess and cervical spondylodiscitis – acute calcific tendinitis of longus colli muscle

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle can present with symptoms resembling severe conditions such as meningitis, an intracranial abscess, a retropharyngeal abscess or cervical spondylodiscitis. Case description: A 37-year-old Chinese female was admitted with neck pain, headache, fever and odynophagia, raising concerns for meningitis, a retropharyngeal abscess or cervical spondylodiscitis. The physical examination was unremarkable except for restricted neck movement and tenderness over right upper paravertebral area. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable. A CT scan of the neck showed nodular calcification just below the C1 anterior arch; MRI with contrast revealed T2-weighted hyperintensity with enhancement in the retropharyngeal space, along with minor oedema over the adjacent longus coli muscle. A final diagnosis of acute calcific tendinitis of longus colli was established, based on the radiological findings and clinical response to treatment. Discussion: Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus muscle is a rare inflammatory condition caused by the deposition of amorphous calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the anterior C1-C2 disc space. Due to its anatomical location, inflammation will result in triggering similar symptoms as in meningitis, an intracranial abscess, a retropharyngeal abscess or cervical spondylodiscitis. CT and MRI imaging are the gold standard for diagnostic investigation; there are no formal treatment guidelines, and management is conservative, primarily involving analgesia. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that acute calcific tendinitis of the longus muscle can present with symptoms that mimic other severe conditions such as meningitis, an intracranial abscess, a retropharyngeal abscess or cervical spondylodiscitis. LEARNING POINTS: Be aware of the presentation of acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle, which can mimic severe conditions such as meningitis, an intracranial abscess, a retropharyngeal abscess or cervical spondylodiscitis.Recognising the characteristic radiological findings of acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is crucial to avoid unnecessary invasive and surgical interventions and ensure appropriate conservative management.

Source: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.12890/2025_005278

Authors: Chin Ben Soh, Kai Xiong Lim

Institutions: Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $323