Grisel's Syndrome in an Adult After Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy

A case of adult-onset Grisel's syndrome

Aim: Grisel's syndrome is a non-traumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint that occurs after infection or inflammation in the otolaryngological area, primarily in children.Method: This report describes the clinical characteristics of an extremely rare case of adult-onset Grisel's syndrome.Result: A 77-year-old woman presented with neck and bilateral shoulder pain and stiffness. Her temperature was 37.6 °C. Blood testing revealed a mildly elevated inflammatory response, although blood cultures were negative. Computed tomography (CT) showed atlanto-axial subluxation and joint destruction. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed high signals in the soft tissues in the anterior space of the atlas and axis, posterior wall of the pharynx, and interspinous ligament, indicating spinal cord compression at the C1 level. Differential diagnoses of inflammation and diseases causing atlanto-axial subluxation included rheumatoid arthritis, amyloidosis, pyogenic spondylitis due to posterior pharyngeal abscess, and crowned dens syndrome. After the systematic elimination of each condition, we considered Grisel's syndrome and began non-surgical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and a Philadelphia neck collar. Her inflammatory response and neck pain gradually decreased. Six months later, there was no progression of instability. She was able to walk unaided and live normally with the use of a neck collar as needed.Conclusion: Grisel's syndrome occurs predominantly in children, but can also afflict adults. Since early diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms in some cases and prevent progressive atlanto-axial instability, prompt evaluation of the atlanto-axial joint using CT or MRI is advised in patients with neck pain and limited range of motion.

Conservative approach for treatment of Grisel's syndrome after resection of lympahadenitis tuberculosis of the neck: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION

Grisel's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by nontraumatic rotatory subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint, which was caused by previous inflammation around the head and neck. It is usually seen in children and signed as torticollis. There was no consensus for management, yet early diagnosis and treatment is paramount.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 5-year-old girl came to outpatient clinic complaining of wry neck 1 day after surgical excision of her TB lymphadenitis and got worsen by time. There was no history of trauma around the neck. Examination under general anesthesia and CT scan revealed acquired severe torticollis consistent with Grisel's Syndrome Fielding type 3 accompanied by TB lymphadenitis, and TB myositis of the neck. Manipulation under general anesthesia and immobilization using Minerva cast followed by Lerman Cervicothoracal Osthosis was conducted.

DISCUSSION

This patient was diagnosed with Grisel's syndrome and underwent conservative treatment consisting of reduction under general anesthesia and immobilization using Minerva cast for 6 weeks. The patient was then applied Lherman Cervical Thoracic Orthosis (CTO) halo brace for another 3 months. Anti-tuberculous drug was given to control tuberculous infection. Eight months follow-up showed neither residual deformity, neck pain, nor movement limitation of the neck.

CONCLUSION

Grisel's syndrome has excellent result that is treated with conservative treatment using reduction under general anesthesia and Minerva cast.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging as the Primary Imaging Modality in Children Presenting with Inflammatory Nontraumatic Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation

Inflammatory nontraumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AAS) in children is an often-missed diagnosis, especially in the early stages of disease. Abscess formation and spinal cord compression are serious risks that call for immediate surgical attention. Neither radiographs nor non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images sufficiently indicate inflammatory processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows a thorough evaluation of paraspinal soft tissues, joints, and ligaments. In addition, it can show evidence of vertebral distraction and spinal cord compression. After conducting a scoping review of the literature, along with scientific and practical considerations, we outlined a standardized pediatric MRI protocol for suspected inflammatory nontraumatic AAS. We recommend contrast-enhanced MRI as the primary diagnostic imaging modality in children with signs of torticollis in combination with nasopharyngeal inflammatory or ear nose and throat (ENT) surgical history.

Grisel's syndrome post otolaryngology procedures: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To increase awareness and the index of suspicion regarding Grisel's syndrome among otolaryngologists after otolaryngology procedures.

METHOD

We conducted a search of MEDLINE/PubMed for articles published through January 2020 utilizing the following terms: Grisel's syndrome, Grisel syndrome, and atlantoaxial subluxation alone and in combination with other terms like ENT, otolaryngology, head & neck, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, adenotonsillectomy, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, and tympanomastoidectomy. We included English-language cases that occurred after surgical procedures and contained the following data: age, onset, common presenting symptoms, diagnostic approach, management options, and the presence of complications.

RESULT

We found 39 papers that met our criteria. Most cases occurred after adenotonsillectomy with or without ventilation tube insertion (55.6%). The majority of the affected population was the pediatric age group, and the main presenting symptom was torticollis that presents as early-onset. In regard to management, most of the cases were treated with medical therapy with or without adjunctive measures (e.g., a cervical collar). No neurological complications were recorded except in one case that was treated with no long term sequel.

CONCLUSION

Grisel's syndrome is a rare complication that occurs after otolaryngology procedures and can result in serious neurological complications and death. A high index of suspicion is an important factor for early diagnosis and management to prevent such complications. In most cases, conservative management is successful with a good prognosis.