Pediatric Idiopathic Intervertebral Disc Calcification: Single-Center Series and Review of the Literature

Objective To review pediatric idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification (PIIVDC) within a single center and within the literature to outline the disease course, management, and outcome. Study design A retrospective chart review was performed spanning the period between January 2001 and February 2016 for diagnoses of PIIVDC. Patient age, sex, symptoms, and history and physical and neurologic findings were reviewed. Laboratory and imaging findings, management, follow-up, and outcome also were studied. Results Nine cases of PIIVDC were identified; they included 6 male and 3 female patients, with an age range of 23 months to 12 years. Two patients were asymptomatic, and PIIVDC was discovered incidentally. Of the remaining 7 patients, 5 presented with neck and/or back pain, 1 with painless torticollis, and 1 with painful torticollis. One patient reported neurologic symptoms of pain radiating along 1 dermatome. Disc spaces affected were 5 cervical, 4 thoracic, and 2 lumbar, with 2 patients having more than 1 space affected. All patients were managed conservatively. In 1 case, symptoms and lesions persisted after 5 years, but the remainder had complete symptom resolution, generally within 6 months. Conclusions The etiology of PIIVDC remains unknown but appears to occur spontaneously, without preceding trauma or underlying medical condition. A conservative approach to patients without severe neurologic deficit with outpatient follow-up is supported.