Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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November 28, 2011
Pediatric Intervertebral Disc Calcification
- Rare entity involving calcification of nucleus pulposus.
- Seen in pediatric population (0-13 years of age)—unknown etiology
- Incidental radiological finding in 55%. However, patients can present with pain, muscle spasm, and torticollis. Lab analysis shows leukocytosis and elevated ESR.
- PIDC is thought to be secondary to an inflammatory process that unfolds after a triggering event, such as trauma (30%) or infection.
- Key Diagnostic Features: Focal calcification of the nucleus pulposus at one or more intervertebral disc levels in children ages 0-13 years. More common in young boys, typical location is C6-C7.
- DDx: Discitis, Vitamin D toxicity
- Rx: Antispasmodic (torticollis) and anti-inflammatory medication. Symptoms resolve within 2 weeks. Radiologic resolution is spontaneous and occurs in 95% of patients by 6 months.
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