Frequency of acute longus colli tendinitis on CT examinations

Abstract

PurposeWe attempted to determine the frequency of acute longus colli tendinitis on diagnostic CT imaging performed at a large multicenter health care system. By correlating with the pre-imaging clinical information, we investigated which patient presentations should lead the radiologist to increased suspicion for this condition.MethodsImages from a total of 8101 adult CT examinations of the neck and cervical spine performed over a 3-month period were evaluated by researchers independent of the original clinical report. Clinical information available at the time of imaging was reviewed and assigned to one of five categories. Frequency of the condition was calculated by sex and clinical presentation. This retrospective study with waiver of consent and waiver of HIPPA was approved by our IRB.ResultsNine positive scans were found for an overall frequency of 1.1 per 1000 examinations. The frequency was significantly higher (11.4 per thousand) on scans performed of patients presenting without history of recent trauma, concern for tumor, suspected postoperative complication, or clinical signs of infection localized to the neck. Although frequency in males was higher than in females, this did not reach statistical significance. In no positive or negative case was longus colli tendinitis considered in the pre-imaging documentation.ConclusionsFindings of acute longus colli tendinitis on CT examination generally occur in the absence of prior mention of this condition in the medical record. The radiologist should be particularly alert for this diagnosis when a patient presents with rapid-onset neck pain without a clear history of recent trauma or other etiologies.

Acute longus colli tendinitis and otolaryngology

“…The frequency increases significantly to 11.4:1000 in patients without a history of recent trauma, suspected postoperative complication, clinical signs of deep neck infection, a known tumor of the neck region, or suspected metastatic spread from other locations. 36 …”

Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli: An uncommon cause of neck pain

“…Frequently misdiagnosed, the incidence of Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli remains unknown [4] , however, J. Boardman [10] reported in 2017, in his study a frequency of 1.1 per 1000 examinations. The Risk factors consist of repetitive trauma, recent injury degenerative cervical disorders, osteoarthritis, tissue necrosis, renal failure [3] , ischemia, and vascular disease [4 , 8] .…”

“…Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli is a self-limiting condition [1 , 10] . A complete resolution of the acute symptoms is reported after the administration of nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs.…”

Laryngeal gout mimicking chondrosarcoma with concurrent longus colli tendinitis

“…Other differential diagnoses that can present similarly include retropharyngeal abscess, pharyngitis, spondylitis, vascular conditions 18 19. A retrospective study published in 2017 attempted to determine the frequency of acute longus colli tendinitis on diagnostic CT imaging performed at a large multicenter healthcare system 20. The study found that where CT neck was ordered in the absence of trauma, suspicion for neoplasm, concern for surgical complication or signs of infection localised to the neck, the frequency of longus acute colli tendinitis was low at 11.4/1000.…”