Acute Calcific Tendinitis of the Longus Colli Muscle Masquerading as Acute Meningitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present a case report of a young female who presented with acute neck pain, odynophagia, and fever. These symptoms were suggestive of possible differential diagnosis including meningitis and retropharyngeal abscess. Subsequent radiological investigations led to a diagnosis of acute calcific tendonitis of the longus colli muscle. Typical clinical presentations and radiological findings of this rare condition are discussed.

Automated summary

We present a case report of a young female with acute neck pain, odynophagia, and fever. The symptoms raised possible differential diagnoses including meningitis and retropharyngeal abscess. Subsequent radiological investigations confirmed the diagnosis as acute calcific tendonitis of the longus colli muscle. Typical clinical presentations and radiological findings of this rare condition are discussed.