Acute odontogenic infection combined with crowned dens syndrome: a case report

Background Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease is a condition in which calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal is deposited in joint cartilage and ligaments. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease that involves calcification around the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra is called crowned dens syndrome. Crowned dens syndrome is accompanied by fever in addition to acute and intense neck, posterior head, and temporal pain; thus, distinguishing crowned dens syndrome may be difficult in the presence of odontogenic infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a patient with crowned dens syndrome with coexisting odontogenic infection.