Musculoskeletal ImagingGrisel's syndrome
a retropharyngeal infection in which spontaneous atlantoaxial subluxation occurs concomitantly with inflammation of adjoining soft tissues. This disorder occurs predominantly in children. A haematogenous route of spread of septic exudates is suggested by the existence of direct connections among the periodontoidal venous plexus, the suboccipital epidural sinuses and the pharyngovertebral veins. Atlanto axial rotary fixation, a C1 - C2 malalignment, may develop in Grisel's syndrome after inflammation involving the pharynx or upper respiratory tract (Fig.1).
DR/RB
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Axial CT scan of the neck demonstrates atlantoaxial rotary fixation at C1-C2. Adenopathy was present in the soft tissues of the neck (not shown).
(Courtesy of Tom Martin, MD; Albuquerque, NM)
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Grisel's syndrome, Fig.1 | |