title: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPDD) is a rare benign inflammatory joint disorder characterized by the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal in the interarticular and periarticular tissue. It has been rarely described with spinal localization.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 50-year-old woman, affected by CPPDD, presented a progressive weakness of both lower limbs associated with neurogenic claudication. Neuroradiological examinations revealed the presence of two intradural calcified lesions at level L3-L4, with no post-contrast enhancement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surgery was performed and the histopathological exams documented the presence of rod-shaped crystals embedded in a fibrocartilaginous stroma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient experienced complete symptoms relief with a 5-year follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intradural CPPD localization at the filum terminale is an extremely rare occurrence. Total removal should be preferably attempted with a long-term focal control of the disease as we observed in our case.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Cacciotti
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Novegno
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Fiume
mesh_terms: D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery