Chondrocalcinosis surrounding the dens, with calcification in the transverse ligament, is known as what radiographic sign?
This is known as the "crowned dens" appearance.
What is crowned dens syndrome?
When there is extensive CPPD surrounding the dens, associated with severe headache attributable to this finding, it is known crowned dens syndrome.
Throughout the cervical spine, extensive calcification is observed within the disc spaces, as well as chondrocalcinosis within the uncovertebral joint spaces.
Chondrocalcinosis is also seen within the synovial atlantoaxial joint spaces at the lateral masses, and around the dens in the atlantodental space. Calcification of the transverse ligament is also demonstrated. Chondrocalcinosis is observed within both of the atlantooccipital joints as well.
There are multiple areas of calcification of the ligamentum flavum posteriorly within the neural canal, at the levels of C3/4 and C5/6, with significant narrowing of the neural canal at C5/6. Thin but diffuse, faint areas of calcification of the thecal sac is noted.