Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition Disease in the Cervical Ligamentum Flavum: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

ABSTRACT

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) is an inflammatory arthropathy that is defined by the deposition of CPPD crystals in articular and periarticular structures. The cervical ligamentum flavum is a rare location of CPPD deposition. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of neck pain and a tingling sensation and numbness below the xiphoid process for 2 months. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) revealed compression of the spinal cord due to a nodular calcified mass in or attached to the ligamentum flavum at the C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7 level. The patient underwent a laminectomy at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7, and resectioning of calcified extradural nodules that impinged on the cervical cord. The operation resulted in a resolution of neck pain and hypoesthesia, except in the feet. Histopathological examination of the excised specimen revealed rectangular CPPD crystals. Here, we report a case of compressive cervical spine due to CPPD deposition disease of the cervical spine and describe the literature relevant to CPPD deposition disease of the cervical spine.