Grisel's syndrome (GS) is defined as a non-traumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial
joint and is considered a rare complication of infectious or inflammatory processes
of the head and neck region due to upper respiratory tract infections or following
surgical otolaryngeal interventions. The etiopathogenesis of this clinical entity
is not yet clear. Early recognition of pediatric atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) is
essential to avoid permanent damage and requires a combination of clinical assessment
and appropriate radiologic imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is considered gold standard
in the diagnosis of GS. We report a case of a young child who presented with torticollis
and acute otitis media and discuss the potential role of magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) in first suggesting the diagnosis. A brief review of the literature is presented.
Conclusion: radiologists should first consider MRI of the atlanto-axial joint in young
patients with torticollis with a recent history of infection in the head and neck
region.
Keywords
Grisel syndrome - torticollis - non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation - magnetic
resonance imaging - pediatric
