Acute symptomatic intervertebral disk calcification in a child with retropharyngeal edema: computed tomography and magnetic resonance findings

J Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Oct;17(7):365-7. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0b013e31823266ba.

Abstract

Intervertebral disk calcification in children is an uncommon self-limiting disease, which can cause symptoms like neck pain or torticollis, and can be treated with conservative management. The calcified disk material can herniate anteriorly, inducing dysphagia, or herniate posteriorly, causing neurologic symptoms secondary to spinal cord compression. We report computed tomography and magnetic resonance findings of a symptomatic intervertebral disk calcification at the C2-3 level with retropharyngeal edema caused by anterior herniation of calcified material in a 7-year-old boy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bed Rest
  • Calcinosis / diagnosis*
  • Calcinosis / therapy
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Child
  • Edema / diagnosis*
  • Edema / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications*
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Traction
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents