An unusual cause of infantile torticollis

Torticollis is a clinical symptom and sign characterized by a lateral head tilt and chin rotation toward the side opposite to the tilt. Torticollis in infants can be due to congenital and acquired causes. Congenital muscular torticollis is the commonest cause detected in infants. Acquired causes range from ocular causes, retropharyngeal infections and cervical spinal cord tumors.Benign and malignant neoplasms of the upper cervical spine are rare causes of torticollis in children.We present here a 10 month old infant presenting with loss of acquired gross motor developmental milestones, neck flop and irritability since past 4 months .Clinical examination revealed torticollis to the right along with weakness of right upper limb. Imaging -MRI Spine revealed expansile intramedullary tumour extending along the cervicomedullary junction till C7 vertebral level .Surgical excision was done and histopathology revealed features of a cervical cord astrocytoma. Child is currently recovering power with physiotherapy and is on follow up.