title: Tumoral calcinosis of the craniovertebral junction as a cause of dysphagia with treatment by transoral decompression: case report.
abstract: Tumoral calcinosis is characterized by tumor-like deposition of calcium in periarticular soft tissue. Spinal involvement is rare, and perioperative diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis can be difficult because lesions may be confused with bony neoplasms. Symptoms of tumoral calcinosis result from bony involvement and/or direct compression of surrounding anatomical structures, for which treatment with surgical decompression can be highly successful. The craniovertebral junction is rarely affected by tumoral calcinosis, and patients with this condition may present with distinct symptoms. Herein, to their knowledge the authors present the first case of tumoral calcinosis affecting the craniovertebral junction in a patient who presented with severe dysphagia and required transoral decompression. Recognition of tumoral calcinosis by neurosurgeons is essential for facilitating diagnosis and treatment, and the transoral approach is an effective method for decompression in select patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mooney
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Oppenlander
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: U Kumar
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Kakarla
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theodore
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: CVJ = craniovertebral junction; TC = tumoral calcinosis; bony neoplasm; calcium deposition; cervical spine; craniovertebral junction; dysphagia; transoral decompression; tumoral calcinosis