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Infantile Tumoral Calcinosis of the Cervical Spine: A Case Report
William M Steward1, Ryan C Roubion1, Joseph A Gonzales1
1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-School of Medicine (Steward); the Department of Orthopaedics (Dr. Roubion), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; and the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics (Dr. Gonzales), Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of tumoral calcinosis (TC) in a 4-month-old infant
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare condition characterized by calcium salt deposition.
- Spinal involvement of TC is exceptionally uncommon, particularly in infants.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old infant presented with reduced head control and neck mobility.
- Imaging revealed a calcified retropharyngeal mass compressing the C1/C2 vertebrae.
- The clinical presentation suggested a rare spinal tumor or calcification.
Findings:
- Surgical biopsy and aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis.
- This represents one of the youngest reported cases of spinal TC.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the nature of the calcific deposits.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric neck masses.
- Demonstrates the feasibility of surgical intervention for spinal TC in infants.
- Provides valuable data on the clinical course and treatment response in pediatric spinal TC.
Abstract:
Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is an exceedingly rare disease, significantly so when located in the spine. Here, we present a 4-month-old patient with decreased head control and range of motion of the neck for several weeks. CT and MRI demonstrated a calcified mass in the retropharyngeal area and surrounding C1/C2, and TC was suspected. The patient underwent surgical biopsy and aspiration, which confirmed TC. The purpose of this case report is to document a rare disease, significantly so when taking into account both the location of the lesion and the patient's age, and to detail the treatment and response.
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