Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle

Facility in the evaluation of the cervical prevertebral soft tissues should be a skill of any otolaryngologist. Tendinitis of the longus colli muscle mimics more serious disease processes of the prevertebral cervical region that the otolaryngologist may be required to evaluate. It has, however, received little attention in otolaryngological literature. Five cases from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary are presented. Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is an easily recognized clinical and radiological syndrome. Characteristic features include cervical pain, dysphagia, and distinctive radiographs. The pathognomonic lateral neck film reveals prevertebral soft tissue swelling and an amorphous radiodensity anterior to the C-1 and C-2 vertebral bodies. Symptoms usually manifest over a few days and resolve benignly within 2 weeks.