Cervical myeloradiculopathy as an initial presentation of pseudogout

Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2021 Jan;26(1):93-96. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2021.1.20200122.

Abstract

Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, is an inflammatory arthropathy that primarily occurs in the peripheral joints, such as the knee or elbow. Spinal pseudogout is uncommon, and neck pain is its most common clinical manifestation. However, cervical myeloradiculopathy as an initial presentation of pseudogout attack of the ligamentum flavum has rarely been reported in the literature. We report a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with neck pain, bilateral finger numbness, and left-sided upper extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance images showed an epidural mass at the C4-5 level, compressing the spinal cord. Following laminectomy with removal of the calcified mass, the profound neurologic deficits gradually recovered. A pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cervical pseudogout.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cervical Cord / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cervical Cord / surgery
  • Chondrocalcinosis / complications*
  • Chondrocalcinosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Chondrocalcinosis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Ligamentum Flavum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ligamentum Flavum / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Radiculopathy / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiculopathy / etiology*
  • Radiculopathy / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome