CPPD Crowned Dens Syndrome CT & MRI Spine
Crowned dens is a manifestation of Calcium Pyrophosphate deposition diseases (CPPD) in the cervical spine.
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Peri odontoid deposition of Calcium Pyrophosphate crystals.
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The diagnosis is easier on CT as high density of calcium is seen around the dens.
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Image above: Increased density ( Pink arrows) centred in the region of the transverse ligament.
- The diagnosis is harder on MRI as often what we seen is thickening of soft tissue in the region of the transverse ligament.
- A Gradient Echo sequence can help to look for areas of dephasing (low signal) from the calcium.Â
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Image above: Axial T2 scans demonstrates low signal thickening of soft tissue (Pink arrow) centered in the region of the transverse ligament. Green arrow Dens.
Sagittal Gradient echo sequence demonstrates areas of low signal (Yellow arrow) in keeping with calcification.
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We look at Imaging and Diagnosis of Crowned Dens Syndrome and the Differential Diagnosis of Retro Odontoid Pseudo Tumour, in much more detail together with viewing of dicom cases in our Guided Spine Arthropathy & Spondyloarthropathy Mini Fellowship.
Thank you to Dr Joe Thomas Chief Rheumatologist, Aster Medcity Kochi, for his input in the case. Rheumatology Imaging is made much easier with the guidance of a Rheumatologist in the clinical aspects and what they need from a report.
We have Dr Thomas joining us in presenting the Spine Arthropathy & Spondyloarthropathy course to give us the important clinical aspects we need to know as radiologists and also what a Rheumatologist wants from our reports. Get More information by clicking on the images below.
Learn more about this condition & How best to report it in more detail in our SPINE Imaging Mini Fellowships.
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For all our other current MSK MRI & Spine MRI
Online Guided Mini Fellowships.
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