A Case of Calcific Retropharyngeal Tendinitis with a Differential Diagnosis of Retropharyngeal Abscess

Abstract

We report a case of Calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis that was difficult to distinguish from retropharyngeal abscess. The patient was a 36-year-old woman who complained of severe cervical pain. Clinical findings of moderately elevated WBC count and MRI findings of fluid filling the retropharyngeal space suggested retropharyngeal abscess. However, the patient was not very sick, without high fever or sore throat. CT scan showed a clump of calcification in front of the C1-C2 cervical spines, which is characteristic of calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis. Emergency drainage operation was avoided and the patient fully recovered after treatment by NSAIDs.