[Discitis in small children (author's transl)].
Discitis was diagnosed in 5 children under 3 years of age, the initial clinical manifestations being difficulty in walking and abdominal pains in one case. Diagnosis was not made before periods varying from 8 days to 3 months, and no etiological basis for the disease was discovered. Pinching of the disc was always present in the first radiographic image, and the vertebral plate was ill-defined in 3 cases. Repeat radiological examinations were carried out in 3 children after 6 months, 2 and 5 years respectively. There was partial restauration of the disc space in 2 cases; the last one presented signs of late collapse after early recuperation. Early perilesional bone sclerosis was noted in 2 cases, while it was posterior and late in one child. There were no sequelae (fusion, vertebra plana, scoliosis). Two investigations are essential if a disc lesion is suspected: -- radiography of the spinal column, even if there are no disturbances in walking or abdominal pains. -- scintigraphy with technitium 99, which is the only means of establishing an early diagnosis.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
Les discites du petit enfant.