Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
04:24
Chuzhen Therapy as a Non-Invasive Traditional Chinese Therapy for Neck Pain
Published on: June 6, 2025
[Acute neck pain in an elderly patient]
1Klinik für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation, Stadtspital Triemli, Zürich. Claudia.Pfeiffer@triemli.stzh.ch
Praxis
|October 21, 2010
Summary
Crowned dens syndrome, a rare manifestation of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition disease, can mimic spinal infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with glucocorticoids provided symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
Background:
- Cervical spine pain can present with inflammatory markers, mimicking infection.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of neck pain.
Observation:
- An 85-year-old patient presented with acute neck pain and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Initial MRI suggested infectious spondylitis with abscess, but symptoms persisted despite antibiotics.
- CT revealed calcifications of the transverse ligament around the odontoid process.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Crowned dens syndrome, a manifestation of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition disease.
- Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was insufficient.
- Oral glucocorticoids led to complete symptom relief.
Implications:
- Crowned dens syndrome should be considered in elderly patients with neck pain and inflammatory signs, even when imaging suggests infection.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging like CT to identify characteristic calcifications.
- Glucocorticoids appear effective for managing symptomatic Crowned dens syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Angina V: Nursing Management
Angina, a symptom of myocardial ischemia, requires a structured nursing management approach to ensure effective care and prevent complications like myocardial infarction. Comprehensive nursing care involves assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes, all tailored to the individual patient's needs.Patient AssessmentNursing assessment begins with a detailed subjective evaluation of symptoms, which typically include chest pain or pressure radiating to the...
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
01:26Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...