[Acute cervical syndrome in chondrocalcinosis. 3 elderly patients with calcifications of the transverse atlantis ligament].

Articular chondrocalcinosis, or pseudogout, is characterized by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) crystals. Vertebral involvement in CPPD crystal deposition disease is known and includes in particular the ligamentum flavum, the posterior longitudinal ligament and the intervertebral disc. We report on 3 elderly patients with peracute cervical syndrome. Plain radiographs showed the usual degenerations. Computerized tomography scans revealed a calcified transverse atlas ligament. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated. Plain radiographs showed chondrocalcinosis of the hands and knees. The symptoms subsided after 2 days' therapy with antiinflammatory drugs. We conclude that chondrocalcinosis may often be an undetected cause of acute cervical vertebral pain in the elderly patient.