Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament associated with formed arcuate foramina on atlas - evaluation using CT angiography

Abstract

1000Purpose: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) represents progressive heterotopic ossification of unclear pathogenesis. The aim of this report is to present OPLL associated with arcuate foramina, which has not been reported in the literature before. Materials and methods: 32-year old female patient presented with occipital headache, neck pain and occasional vertigo. She was examined using radiography, computed tomography (CT) angiography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of cervical spine and scull basis. Results: We found OPLL associated with bilateral arcuate foramina formed on atlas: foramen was complete on the left-hand side, with lumen reduction of the left vertebral artery, while on the right-hand side, the foramen was incomplete. Conclusion: The significance of this case report is highly sensitive diagnostic evaluation of simultaneous appearance of two pathologic entities that can present with similar or identical clinical manifestations in the stage of the disease when early diagnostics and further radiological follow-up are important in the prevention of sequelae.