{"id":"36787052-6a36-48b6-8c44-1dbe586865e8","slug":"pseudogout-mimicking-cervical-spine-osteomyelitis-and-ventral-epidural-abscess-a-case-report-and-literature-review","title":"Pseudogout mimicking cervical spine osteomyelitis and ventral epidural abscess: A case report and literature review","authors":["Brandon Michael Wilkinson","Dan Y. Draytsel","Fakhri B. Awawdeh","Ali Hazama"],"abstract":"Background: Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), also known as “pseudogout,” is a crystal deposition arthropathy involving the synovial and periarticular tissues. Pseudogout rarely presents in the axial spine. Here, we present the case of an 80-year-old female patient admitted after a mechanical fall, initially misdiagnosed on computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance studies with cervical osteodiscitis/ventral epidural abscess that proved to be pseudogout. Case Description: An 80-year-old female was admitted after a mechanical fall. The initial cervical CT scan showed multilevel degenerative changes with an acute C6 anterior wedge compression fracture, focal kyphosis, C5-6 disc space collapse, and endplate destruction. The magnetic resonance imaging showed marked contrast enhancement of the C5-6 vertebral bodies and disc space. An interventional radiology-guided biopsy of the C5-6 vertebral bodies and disc space was consistent with calcium pyrophosphate deposits, was diagnostic for pseudogout, and was negative for infection. She was managed conservatively with a rigid collar and seven days of oral prednisone. Conclusion: CPPD involvement in the axial spine is rare. Prompt pathologic diagnosis should be pursued to rule out an infectious process.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/36787052-6a36-48b6-8c44-1dbe586865e8/featured/hero-1781559824951.png","publishDate":"2024-01-05T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_975_2023","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/12696/SNI-15-5.pdf"}