AB0922 Clinical Characteristics of Crystal Deposition Diseases of Cervical Spine: A Comparison Between Crowned Dens Syndrome and Retropharyngeal Calcific Tendinitis

Background Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) and Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis (RCT) are both crystal deposition diseases affected in cervical spine causing acute neck pain. Differential diagnosis of the above two diseases is sometimes difficult since both induce neck symptoms. Objectives To examine the characteristics of CDS and RCT found in daily clinical practice. Methods Sixteen patients with CDS and five patients with RCT were consecutively enrolled who undergoing medical treatment at the department of Rheumatology and Neurology, Isahaya General Hospital from January 2010 to December 2013. We have evaluated the clinical features, labolatory data and radiographic findings of cervical spine. Results All of the 21 patients had acute neck pain and almost all had limited range of neck motion. Higher age, fever, peripheral arthritis, shoulder pain and higher CRP were predominantly found in CDS whereas swallowing pain was specific in RCT. The proportion of calcification was clearly different in both diseases since that was found around the odontoid process in CDS whereas prevertebral space in RCT determined by cervical computed tomography (CT). All of the 21 patients had acute neck pain and almost all had limited range of neck motion. Higher age, fever, peripheral arthritis, shoulder pain and higher CRP were predominantly found in CDS whereas swallowing pain was specific in RCT. The proportion of calcification was clearly different in both diseases since that was found around the odontoid process in CDS whereas prevertebral space in RCT determined by cervical computed tomography (CT). ![Figure][1] Conclusions CDS and RCT can be differentially diagnosed by considering characteristic clinical manifestations and cervical CT findings. Disclosure of Interest None declared [1]: pending:yes