Because of their similarity, clinical symptoms of a calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis can be misdiagnosed for a retropharyngeal abscess. We present two patients who were admitted for retropharyngeal abscess, however, careful examination revealed amorphous calcification anterior to C1-C2 in addition to prevertebral soft tissue swelling. Knowledge of the characteristic clinical symptoms and the pathognomonic imaging features is crucial to correctly diagnose the disease and to prevent unnecessary tests and treatment.