Presentation
Patient with known rheumatoid arthritis. Now worsening of neck pain.
Patient Data
Age: 75 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Pannus at the cranio-cervical junction: CT and MRI findings
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Gross well-defined erosion of the dens and atlanto-axial joints typical of rheumatoid arthritis.
From the case:
Pannus at the cranio-cervical junction: CT and MRI findings
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Large soft tissue mass encircling the eroded dens consistent with "pannus", i.e. hypertrophied synovium. Minor extrinsic compression to the upper cervical cord.
Case Discussion
Marked erosion of the dens and adjacent joints with pannus (soft tissue mass) is typical of advanced rheumatoid arthritis.