PEDIATRIC IDIOPATHIC INTERVERTEBRAL DISC CALCIFICATION: A SINGLE INSTITUTION CASE SERIES OF A RARE DISORDER
Abstract BACKGROUND Paediatric idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification (PIIVDC) is a rare, poorly understood condition with just over 300 reported cases in the literature since the first report in 1924. The condition is characterized by calcification of an intervertebral disc which can progress to inflammation or extrusion and lead to neck or spinal pain in some patients. OBJECTIVES We report a series of patients seen at a single institution with PIIVDC and outline the disease course, management and outcome and review the literature. DESIGN/METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution spanning the period between January 2001 and February 2016 for diagnoses of PIIVDC. Patient age, gender, symptoms, and medical history and physical and neurologic findings were reviewed. Laboratory and imaging findings, management, follow-up, and outcome were also studied. A literature review was carried out by MEDLINE and Embase, using the search terms “pediatric disc calcification” and “disc calcification in children” between the years 1997 and 2017, in the English language. Articles were reviewed and data was extracted. RESULTS Nine cases of PIIVDC were identified (6 males, 3 females) with an age range of 1 to 14 years. Two patients were asymptomatic and PIIVDC was discovered incidentally. Of the remaining patients, five presented with neck/back pain, one painless torticollis, and one painful torticollis. One patient was noted to have pain radiating along one dermatome. Disc spaces affected were five cervical, five thoracic, and two lumbar, with two patients having more than one space affected. All patients were managed conservatively. In one case, symptoms and lesions persisted after 5-years, but the remainder had complete symptom resolution, generally within 6 months. CONCLUSION Although the etiology of PIIVDC remains unknown it appears to occur spontaneously, without preceding trauma or underlying medical condition. A conservative approach to patients without severe neurologic deficit with out-patient close follow-up is supported.