Acute Calcific Tendinitis of the Longus Colli Muscle: A Little Recognized Cause of Cervical Pain; concerning Four New Cases and Literature Review

Introduction The purpose of our study is to describe four new cases of this condition, to deepen knowledge of the clinical and imaging findings of this condition, which we must consider in all nontraumatic cervical pain (literature review) so as to avoid complementary examinations or unnecessary, invasive treatments. Materials and Methods A retrospective study of four clinical cases in the emergency service, reporting posterior cervical pain, radiating to the base of the neck, slowly progressive with no relation to a traumatic event. This study included clinical evaluation, physical examination, and imaging studies. Results The following were evaluated: history, clinical picture, age, gender, type of images requested and their results, treatment undertaken, and time of evolution of the symptoms. A literature review of this condition was made, comparing what has been published with our experience. Conclusions It is important to recognize that a patient presenting with cervical pain and dysphagia can raise different diagnoses; among which it is worth emphasizing an infection for its severity or an abscess in the retropharyngeal space. Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle must also be recognized as a possible cause, as a proper diagnosis determines behaviors completely different to those that must be taken in the event of any infectious process.