Grisel Syndrome: Pathophysiological Evidence from Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.
10.5535/arm.2013.37.5.713
- Author:
See Hyun PARK
1
;
Sung Hee PARK
;
Sang Hee LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea. shpark0130@jbnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Lymhadenitis;
Atlantoaxial joint;
Torticollis
- MeSH:
Atlanto-Axial Joint;
Child;
Follow-Up Studies;
Head;
Humans;
Inflammation;
Ligaments;
Lymphadenitis;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*;
Magnetics*;
Magnets*;
Male;
Neck;
Spine;
Torticollis
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2013;37(5):713-716
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Grisel syndrome is a condition of uncertain etiology characterized by a non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation following an infection in the head and neck region. Although first described in 1830, the exact pathophysiology of Grisel syndrome remains unclear. We present a case of atlantoaxial subluxation after acute lymphadenitis diagnosed with a dynamic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A previously healthy 9-year-old male patient presented with torticollis of sudden onset. Dynamic CT and MR imaging showed rotary atlantoaxial subluxation and inflammation surrounding the cervical spinal ligaments. A follow-up MRI of the cervical spine, taken 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms, showed a complete resolution of subluxation and inflammation surrounding the cervical spinal ligaments. In this case report, we support the hypothesis that an inflammation-induced laxity of the cervical ligaments is the pathologic key to Grisel syndrome using radiologic findings.
