Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition in the intervertebral discs in a case of Wilson's disease

Abstract

The vertebral column from a known case of Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) was examined by radiological, histological, histochemical and x-ray microanalytical techniques which demonstrated the presence of focal depositions of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) in the intervertebral discs. These deposits were present in both the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus but in certain discs the deposits were concentrated near the interface between disc and vertebral body bone endplates. At these sites there was new bone formation with narrowing of the discs, irregularity and sclerosis of the bone endplates and exostosis.