Grisel's syndrome
| Grisel's syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Rheumatology  |
Grisel's syndrome is a non-traumatic
respiratory tract infections, peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscesses. Post-operative inflammation after certain procedures such as adenoidectomy can also lead to this condition in susceptible individuals such as those with Down syndrome
.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of this disease consists of relaxation of the transverse ligament of the atlanto-axial joint.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be established using plain film
x-rays as well as CT scan of the neck/cervical spine. Children with Down syndrome have inherently lax ligaments making them susceptible to this condition. In select cases, these children may require pre-operative imaging to assess the risk for complications after procedures such as adenoidectomy
.
Treatment
Treatment includes
sequelae
. Surgical fusion may be required for residual instability of the joint.
References
- Grisel P. Enucléation de l'atlas et torticollis naso-pharyngien Presse Med 1930;38:50–4.
- Mathern GW, Batzdorf U. Grisel's syndrome: Cervical spine clinical, pathologic, and neurologic manifestations. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989 Jul;(244):131-46.
- C Bocciolini, D Dall'Olio, E Cunsolo, PP Cavazzuti, and P Laudadio, Grisel's syndrome: a rare complication following adenoidectomy, Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2005 August; 25(4): 245–249.