Acute calcific tendinitis (ACT) of the longus colli muscle is a rare cause of debilitating neck pain. The ACT is presumed to be an aseptic inflammatory process of the superior oblique tendons of the longus colli muscle. It is often confused with other more concerning conditions including trauma, epidural abscess, disc herniation, and neoplasm. We present two cases of ACT and a brief literature review to stress the risk of misdiagnosis. A 38-year-old male presented with neck pain and stiffness accompanied by dysphagia. Computed tomography (CT) scan was done and the diagnosis was secured by demonstrating calcifications at the C1-C2 level as well as the retropharyngeal effusion. A 53-year-old female was also complaining of neck pain and dysphagia. The CT scan demonstrated similar findings and the diagnosis was again clinched. Awareness of this unusual entity is essential to prevent unnecessary interventions.
Keywords: acute calcific tendinitis; dysphagia; neck pain; retropharyngeal effusion.