Cervical myeloradiculopathy as an initial presentation of pseudogout

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Neurology
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease) typically affects peripheral joints.
• Spinal involvement, particularly in the cervical region, is infrequent.
• Cervical myeloradiculopathy as an initial presentation is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old woman presented with neck pain, upper extremity weakness, and finger numbness.
• MRI revealed an epidural mass at C4-5 compressing the spinal cord.
• The mass was identified as a calcified deposit within the ligamentum flavum.

Findings:

• Surgical laminectomy and removal of the calcified mass were performed.
• Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cervical pseudogout.
• The patient experienced gradual recovery of neurological deficits post-surgery.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering pseudogout in the differential diagnosis of cervical spinal masses causing myeloradiculopathy.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to favorable neurological outcomes.
• Further research into the mechanisms and management of spinal pseudogout is warranted.