Neck pain and calcium deposition

Nodera et al. Neurology 2007; 68:383 (Neuroimages). Japanese. A 43 year old man had neck pain, sore throat, dysphagia, and low grade fever upon awakening. He had limited ROM of the neck. CT showed calcification ANTERIOR to C1-2 with thickened prevertebral tissues due to effusion. Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis is uncommon and confused with abscess but the characteristic calcium deposit is diagnostic. It is self limiting.