title: Extensive calcification of the ligamentum flavum causing cervical myelopathy in a Caucasian woman.
abstract: Calcification of the ligamentum flavum (CLF) can cause myelopathy due to spinal cord compression. Only several cases in Caucasian patients have been described. Neurological deterioration can only be stopped by surgical decompression. We report a 63-year-old Caucasian woman presenting with progressive pins-and-needles sensations in both hands, worsened by painful paresthesia in both lower extremities. MRI showed a dorsal compressive mass extending from C2 to Th3 vertebrae with myelopathy at the level of C6. A laminectomy was performed, which improved clinical symptoms. Histological examination showed CLF. Early recognition of CLF and early spinal cord decompression are needed to improve neurological outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Milaine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roet
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jochem K H
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Spoor
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Waal
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Max J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kros
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sanjay B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Harhangi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ; Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, 's Gravendijkwal 230, Office Hs-114, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ruben
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dammers
keywords: Calcification of the ligamentum flavum (CLF); Caucasian; Cervical spine; Myelopathy