Intractable Neck Pain in a Patient With Newly Diagnosed AML: An Underrecognized Cause of a Treatable Syndrome

Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a variant of pseudogout involving calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition in the atlantoaxial junction. Imaging shows characteristic crownlike calcifications surrounding the dens1. Patients present with severe neck pain, rigidity, and high fever. Clinical presentations can be variable, including acute and chronic-relapsing types, and can mimic many other disease processes. Awareness of this rare, likely underrecognized, and treatable syndrome is crucial since palliative care providers care for patients at high risk for this disease.

Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - October 11, 2018 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Jessica A. Slostad, Ellen M. Wild, Claudia M. Anderson, Cory Ingram Source Type: research