Acute Longus Colli Calcific Tendinitis: A Rare Cause of Neck Pain

A 48-year-old man presented to our emergency department with neck pain without sensorimotor deficit and with a sore throat without signs of infection. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed because the patient had not responded to regular treatment and a blood test had showed inflammation. The images revealed cervical prevertebral fluid collection and calcification, compatible with acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. Prednisolone 50 mg with pantoprazol 40 mg was administered for 5 days with rapid resolution of symptoms. Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is a rare and possibly underdiagnosed cause of atypical neck pain and sore throat. LEARNING POINTS: The signs and symptoms of acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle can easily be mistaken for serious disease such as spondylodiscitis or retropharyngeal abscess. Imaging with easily available modalities such as computed tomography can be used for diagnosis. Anti-inflammatory medication led to quick resolution of symptoms despite elevated signs of inflammation and delayed diagnosis in our patient.