Calcifying nucleopathy mimicking infectious spondylodiscitis

Abstract

Spinal hydroxy apatite deposition disease is a scarce condition. It can be misdiagnosed. Clinical signs may be remarkable mimicking an infectious spondylodiscitis. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with acute febrile inflammatory back pain. MRI showed spondylodiscitis of T12-L1 intervertebral disc without abscesses. Spine X-ray revealed a calcifying nucleopathy with a complete disappearance of this calcification during the follow-up. The diagnosis of HADD should be considered in patients with acute inflammatory back pain. We highlight the importance of the relevance of imaging features in making the diagnosis. A total disappearance of the calcification is possible during the follow up.