Radiological Case of the Month

A 5½-YEAR-OLD BOY with a history of multiple episodes of otitis media had a 1-week history of fever, irritability, neck pain, and nuchal rigidity. Three days before admission to the hospital, his gait changed. A headache and stiff neck prompted a lumbar puncture to be performed; the results of the puncture were nor mal. On physical examination, his neck was held in hyperextension and he was unable to touch his chin to his chest or turn his head from side to side. There was notable left upper extremity triceps weakness, and triceps reflexes were absent bilaterally; however, sensation was intact. Radiography of the cervical spine (Figure 1) and magnetic resonance imaging of the neck (Figure 2andFigure 3) were performed. Denouement and Discussion Childhood Intervertebral Disk Calcification A C6-7 anterior cervical discectomy was performed. A large, gritty, calcified, herniated intervertebral disk was removed. Surgical pathological features showed calcification of