Intervertebral Disc Calcification.

The article reports that intervertebral disc calcification (IVDC) is an uncommon but well-known entity. It appears to be a benign, selflimiting condition which often remains asymptomatic. Researchers describe a child who had calcification of all the intervertebral discs of the thoracic spine. Intervertebral disc calcification is a well-recognized clinical entity, but the etiology remains obscure. The usual causes of connective-tissue calcification in children, such as hypervitaminosis D or dermatomyositis, have not been associated with IVDC. Although IVDC has been attributed to trauma, infection, and abnormal calcium metabolism, none of these factors has been proven. The occurrence of mild fever, leukocytosis, and elevated ESR has been cited in support of an inflammatory origin. It is known that IVDC occurs in neonates and is more common in boys. The frequency increases, reaching a peak between 6 and 10 years of age, then declining as adulthood is approached. The age distribution and the rapid deposition and resorption of the calcification have been ascribed to the abundant blood supply to the discs.