The critical role of computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of acute calcific tendinitis of longus colli muscle: A case report

Abstract

Acute longus colli calcific tendinitis (ALCT) is a non-infectious inflammatory process. The typical clinical triad is acute neck pain, neck stiffness, and odynophagia. These findings can be confused with many common pathologies. As ALCT treatment is conservative and relatively easy, making the correct diagnosis is important. Radiology is of critical importance in the diagnosis of ACLT. The detection of prevertebral calcification by computed tomography is pathognomonic. Herein, we present a case with a sudden onset of neck and occipital pain accompanied by odynophagia following acute trauma and diagnosed with ALCT by radiological examination.