Acute Calcific Tendinitis of the Longus Colli with Trismus: MRI Findings Suggestive of Inflammatory Extension to the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: A 48-year-old woman presented with acute right-sided neck pain and a trismus. Plain and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed prevertebral calcification at the atlantoaxial level and retropharyngeal edema without rim enhancement, consistent with acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed signal hyperintensity in the right lateral pterygoid muscle without diffusion restriction. Moreover, MRI suggested inflammatory involvement of the right lateral pterygoid muscle as a possible mechanism of trismus. Symptoms resolved rapidly following the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. MRI may help clarify the mechanism underlying trismus in acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli.
Source: Internal Medicine
Authors: Hiromi Kanagaki, Yu Nakanishi, Ryo Takimoto
Institution: Hiroshima City Asa Citizens Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224097685