2017 Volume 110 Issue 11 Pages 781-785
Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle, which often manifests as neck pain and stiffness, is not yet an adequately recognized disease among otolaryngologists. Herein, we report a case of calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle in a 47-year-old female patient who presented with the complaints of severe neck stiffness and pain on swallowing. She visited our outpatient clinic after initially visiting a local orthopedic clinic and neurosurgery clinic, both of which cleared her of any abnormalities related to their respective fields. On examination, the range of motion of the neck was found to be very limited, and otorhinolaryngological examination revealed no evidence of tumor or inflammation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a small calcification anterior to the cervical vertebra at the C1-C2 level and a low-density area without ring enhancement in the retropharyngeal space. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed the longus colli muscle as a hyperintensity. Based on these imaging findings, we made the diagnosis calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. The patient was then hospitalized and treated conservatively with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and the neck stiffness and pain on swallowing improved within a week.
