Estenosis cervical sintomática por calcificación del ligamento amarillo tras traumatismo cervical leve

Abstract

The CLF is a kind of dystrophic calcification of unknown pathogenesis but likely related to the spinal degenerative changes. It usually presents in Japanese females. A definite relation between CLF and cervical trauma has not been established so far, although the latter may possibly trigger the symptoms. Typically, CLF presents in women in the seventh decade, affects preferably the cervical region, it shows nodular or diffuse pattern in the computerized tomography, it is hypointense in TI and T2-weighted MR sequences and exhibits minimum enhancement after gadolinium administration. CLF differentiates from OLF easily by demonstrating the presence of mature bone formation in the latter. Clinically, CLF may present as radiculopathy or myelopathy. The treatment of choice in symptomatic patients is posterior decompression. Excellent results after laminectomy are reported. Future similar observations will be important from a medical-legal point of view if a relation between CLF and cervical trauma is established since CLF may potentially turn into a severe condition.

Extensive calcification of the ligamentum flavum causing cervical myelopathy in a Caucasian woman

“…The only treatment for CLF is surgical decompression of the spinal cord (Ahn et al 2014; Delgado-Lopez et al 2007; Inoue et al 2013; Khan et al 2005; Sun et al 2014; Yuan et al 2014). The right method of decompression, we believe, is laminectomy.…”