Journal of Rheumatic Diseases  2016;23(2):122-124

doi:10.4078/jrd.2016.23.2.122

Acute Pseudogout of the Neck: "Crowned Dens" Revisited.

Hyesun LEE 1 ; Hyeon Su KIM ; Ui Hong JUNG ; Hyun Hee KWON ; Young Hwan LEE ; Sung Hoon PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Pseudogout; Cervical

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease is associated with an acute mono- or pauciarthritis, termed "pseudogout" in elderly patients, involving a large joint (including the knees, ankles) or a chronic arthropathy manifesting as mild joint pain and stiffness. Pseudogout is a crystal-deposition disease of peripheral joints, usually encountered in elderly patients. However, acute presentation of pseudogout around the odontoid process comprises a "crowned-dens" appearance, and requires contemplation of differential diagnoses. We recently experienced a case of pseudogout in the cervical spine presenting with fever and acute neck pain that was successfully treated with a colchicine and low-dose oral steroid. We reported this case with a review of the relevant literature.