[Calcification of the cervical ligamentum flavum. Case report and review of the literature].
Calcification of the cervical ligamentum flavum is a rare entity observed exclusively in Japanese people. We report a new case in a 65-year-old man from Tunisia who presented with symptoms of cervical myelopathy with mild tetra paresis, sensory abnormalities and dysuria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a posterior compression of the spinal cord at C3-C4. CT-scan showed a calcification of the ligamentum flavum at level C3-C4, compressing the left postero-lateral aspect of the spinal cord. C3-C4 laminectomy was performed with removal of abnormal ligamentum flavum tissue. The postoperative course was uneventful and all symptoms resolved. Calcification of the cervical ligamentum flavum is a rare entity; the diagnosis is easy but the pathogenesis remains unclear. Literature regarding this pathology is reviewed.
Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisie. guesmihamouda@yahoo.fr
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Guesmi
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Lamouchi
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Mlaiki
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Krifa
D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017843:Ligamentum Flavum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery