Calcific discitis: MRI changes in discs without visible calcification

The syndrome of calcific discitis producing pain referable to the neck or back in children is not uncommon [1-5]. The diagnosis is accomplished on the basis of clinical findings and the radiographic demonstration of calcified intervertebral discs. We present a recent case of a young child who presented with typical clinical findings and demonstrated calcification in a thoracic intervertebral disc. MR examination, however, demonstrated pathologic changes in three other intervertebral discs which did not demonstrate calcification on plain roentgenograms.