Spontaneous Resolution of Symptomatic Thoracic Spine Calcified Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Calcification of intervertebral disc (IVD) is an uncommon but well-defined clinical syndrome in children. Despite its benign nature, occasionally, calcified nucleus pulposus can herniate into the spinal canal. We report an interesting case of calcified disc herniation in the thoracic spine. Although it resulted in cord compression and syrinx formation, it well responded to conservative management. An 8-year-old girl presented with back pain and lower limbs hyperreflexia. The spinal imaging revealed that calcification within IVD, associated with huge calcified disc herniation on the T5/6, resulted in cord compression and syrinx formation within the spinal cord from T4/5 through T9/10. Despite cord compression and syrinx formation, the patient underwent conservative management. After a 6-month follow-up, the control imaging showed complete resolution of the calcified disc herniation and decreased syrinx size. In the patients with a calcified herniated IVD, in the absence of motor neurological deficit, conservative management consisting of bed rest, lifestyle adjustment, weight loss, and brace or collar wearing combined with a close follow-up can result in spontaneous regression of calcification, improvement of symptoms, and partial to complete resolution of the underlying pathology.

Keywords

• Intervertebral disc herniation
• Calcified disc herniation
• Spontaneous regression
• Thoracic spine