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Updated: May 13, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale
G Cacciotti1, F Novegno, D Fiume
1Department of Neurosurgery, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Introduction:
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPDD) is a rare benign inflammatory joint disorder characterized by the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal in the interarticular and periarticular tissue. It has been rarely described with spinal localization.
Methods:
A 50-year-old woman, affected by CPPDD, presented a progressive weakness of both lower limbs associated with neurogenic claudication. Neuroradiological examinations revealed the presence of two intradural calcified lesions at level L3-L4, with no post-contrast enhancement.
Results:
Surgery was performed and the histopathological exams documented the presence of rod-shaped crystals embedded in a fibrocartilaginous stroma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient experienced complete symptoms relief with a 5-year follow-up.
Conclusion:
Intradural CPPD localization at the filum terminale is an extremely rare occurrence. Total removal should be preferably attempted with a long-term focal control of the disease as we observed in our case.
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