PMC4458293_01
Lateral view of the cervical radiograph showing atlantoaxial subluxation in the flexion position.
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A radiograph of the cervical spine showed AAS (Figure 1).
Magnetic resonance image showing abscess around the odontoid process. (a) Sagittal T2-weighted image. (b) Sagittal T1-weighted image with gadolinium. (c) Coronal T1-weighted image with gadolinium.
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C1/C2 level (Figure 2). Computed tomography myelography showed osteolytic destruction of the left atlantoaxial joint.
Computed tomography images after myelography showing destruction of the atlantoaxial joint on the left side and compression of cervical spinal cord. (a) Axial view. (b) Coronal view.
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The AAS developed because of destruction of the atlantoaxial joint and subsequent compression of the right side of the cervical spinal cord (Figure 3).
Images six months after the treatment of intravenous antibiotics and a halo immobilization showing vertical subluxation on the odontoideum and disappearance of the abscess. (a) Lateral view. (b) Sagittal T2-weighted image.
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At the follow-up examination after 1 year, an MRI showed disappearance of the abscess around the odontoid process (Figure 4(a)). A radiograph of the cervical spine still showed asymptomatic slight vertical subluxation, although this had not progressed (Figure 4(b)).