Anesth Pain Med.  2018 Oct;13(4):435-438. 10.17085/apm.2018.13.4.435.

Acute neck pain due to crowned dens syndrome: A case report

• Kim Y
• Ko Y
• Lee W
• Shin Y
• Noh C
• Lee S
• Park H

• KMID: 2436005
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17085/apm.2018.13.4.435

Abstract

Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a cause of neck pain characterized by calcium deposition in the periodontoid tissues. Clinical features of the syndrome are acute onset of neck pain and headache with fever. Computed tomographic imaging is necessary for diagnosis. The prognosis of CDS is excellent. Symptoms disappear within several weeks and calcifications may be absorbed. We report a case of CDS with acute onset of severe neck pain, facial pain, and pharyngeal pain provoked by swallowing.

Keyword

Calcification; Facial pain; Fever; Headache; Neck pain; Odontoid process

MeSH Terms

Calcium
Crowns*
Deglutition
Diagnosis
Facial Pain
Fever
Headache
Neck Pain*
Neck*
Odontoid Process
Prognosis
Calcium

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Coronal (A), axial (B) and sagittal (C) computed tomography scan. Arrow: calcified mass in right posterolateral aspect of odontoid process at level of C1-2.

• 

  Fig. 2 Axial (A) and sagittal (B) T2 magnetic resonance imaging. Arrow: T2-dark signal intensity calcified mass, 1.3 cm, near right C1-2 facet joint, with compression of right C2 nerve root and thecal sac.

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