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

A Young Boy with Neck Pain

“…Pediatric idiopathic intervertebral disk calcification (PIIVDC) is a rare cause of neck pain in children, especially boys, 5-12 years of age, and is attributed to calcification of the intervertebral disks. 1,2 Since its first description in 1924, more than 300 cases of PIIVDC have been reported, but it is not well known to emergency physicians. PIIVDC can affect any spinal cord region, although it mostly affects the cervical spine, especially the cervical intervertebral disk 3-4 or 6-7.…”

“…Trauma, infection, nutritional supply, metabolic disorders, and hereditary deficit may be related to PIIVDC. 2 The most common clinical symptoms of PIIVDC are neck pain and stiffness followed by muscle spasm, low-grade fever, radiating pain, and torticollis due to local inflammation of the nucleus pulposus. 1,2 Neurological complications develop when the calcification herniates and compresses the nerve root or spinal cord.…”

“…2 The most common clinical symptoms of PIIVDC are neck pain and stiffness followed by muscle spasm, low-grade fever, radiating pain, and torticollis due to local inflammation of the nucleus pulposus. 1,2 Neurological complications develop when the calcification herniates and compresses the nerve root or spinal cord. 1 Conservative management, including administration of analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, use of cervical soft collars, and rest, is preferred in most cases because the symptoms are generally self-limiting and resolve within a few months.…”

“…The calcified lesions may remain asymptomatic for some time. 1,2 If neurological impairment progresses, surgical treatment, such as laminectomy or discectomy and fusion, should be considered. In our case, the symptoms gradually improved with conservative treatment.…”

To cut or not to cut? A case report on pediatric intervertebral disc calcification

“…Intervertebral disc calcification (IVDC) in pediatric patients is a rare occurrence with approximately 300 documented cases in the medical literature. [ 2 ] The average age of onset for this condition is 5–12 years, generally presenting as back pain and neck stiffness. [ 2 ] The underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood but may involve an aberrant maturation of intervertebral disc nutrient vascular supply.…”