[Destructive spondylopathy in chondrocalcinosis ("pseudospondylodiscitis")]

A case of degenerative spondylopathy in chondrocalcinosis (pseudospondylo-discitis) is presented. The incidence of vertebral involvement in chondrocalcinosis reported in the literature is reviewed. In approximately 4-10% of all cases of chondrocalcinosis the vertebral column is involved as well. Especially in elderly patients, a differential diagnosis based on clinical, radiological and laboratory findings must include infectious spondylodiscitis. In the presence of additional degenerative spondylolisthesis, as well as radiculopathy and/or symptoms of spinal stenosis, surgery is often performed. However, there are cases reported in which improvement occurs after spontaneous vertebral fusion without surgical intervention. If any vertebral change is detected that is suggestive of chondrocalcinosis, even in asymptomatic patients, it is recommended to obtain radiographs of other joints, for example, the knee and wrist, which are frequently also involved in chondrocalcinosis.