Calcium crystal deposition in cervical ligamentum flavum: CT and MR findings

We report three patients with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease within the ligamenta flava of the cervical spine who presented with progressive myelopathy. Plain radiography showed oval calcified nodules at the level of C4-C5 and C5-C6. On computed myelography, oval calcified nodules were seen in the ligamenta flava of the posterior cervical spinal canal compressing the dural sac. Magnetic resonance revealed oval corresponding hypointense foci both on T1-and T2-weighted images. In two cases, the cervical cord showed hyperintensity at the compression site on T2-weighted images.