Intervertebral disc calcification is a non-specific finding seen in numerous conditions.
Epidemiology
It may be observed in pediatric 5 as well as adult populations.
Pathology
Etiology
- degenerative: relatively common and may occur in up to 6% of routine abdominal radiographs in adults
- postoperative/traumatic
- ochronosis: very dense central (nucleus pulposus) calcification associated with osteopenia; begins in the lumbar spine and ascends
- ankylosing spondylitis: associated findings should be visible
- pseudogout (CPPD): annulus fibrosus calcification
- hemochromatosis: annulus fibrosus calcification
- hypervitaminosis D: annulus fibrosus calcification (uncommon manifestation)
- transient intervertebral disc calcification is seen in children, typically in the cervical spine and spontaneously regresses
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- amyloidosis 2,3
- poliomyelitis 2,3
- acromegaly 2,3
- hyperparathyroidism