Acute Pseudogout of the Neck: "Crowned Dens" Revisited

ABSTRACT

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease is associated with an acute mono- or pauciarthritis, termed "pseudogout" in elderly patients, involving a large joint (including the knees, ankles) or a chronic arthropathy manifesting as mild joint pain and stiffness. Pseudogout is a crystal-deposition disease of peripheral joints, usually encountered in elderly patients. However, acute presentation of pseudogout around the odontoid process comprises a "crowned-dens" appearance, and requires contemplation of differential diagnoses. We recently experienced a case of pseudogout in the cervical spine presenting with fever and acute neck pain that was successfully treated with a colchicine and low-dose oral steroid. We reported this case with a review of the relevant literature.