A PECULIAR SYSTEMIC DISEASE OF THE SPINAL COLUMN (PLATYSPONDYLIA AORTOSCLEROTICA)

¹ The Department of Roentgenology, American University of Beirut

1. In six cases, the coexistence of strongly marked calcification of the thoracic and abdominal portions of the aorta with a systemic spinal disease has been observed.

2. In all these cases, the roentgenographic appearance of the spine was identical: demineralization of all the vertebral bodies, collapse of the midthoracic and upper lumbar bodies, and pronounced expansion of the intervertebral discs into the softened vertebrae.

3. Other parts of the skeleton were not involved.

4. Peripheral and cerebral arterioscleroses were not evident.

5. The apophyseal articulations were free, and the intervertebral foramina were not affected; the longitudinal ligaments sometimes showed small calcifications.

6. Signs of metabolic disturbance or endocrine disorder were not found.

7. Except for the gradual formation of a gibbosity, the disease does not cause marked subjective symptoms.

8. The term "platyspondylia aortosclerotica" is suggested to designate this morbid entity.

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