Korean J Spine.  2009 Jun;6(2):86-89.

Dysphagia Caused by Ossificaion of the Cervical Anterior Longitudial Ligament : Report of Two Cases

• Song BK
• Eun JP
• Park SS
• Kim SH

Abstract

We report two cases with progressive dysphagia and foreign body sensation resulted from severe cervical ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL). A 63-years-old male presented progressive dysphagia and foreign body sensation with neck pain. Cervical computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed diffuseOALL from C2 to C7 with esophageal compression by most severe OALL of C5, C6, C7 and spondylotic stenosis of C5- 6, C6-7. OALL removal of C5, 6, 7 and discectomy with interbody fusion via anterior approach was performed. The other 56-years-old female presented progressive dysphagia with foreign body sensation. Cervical CT and MRI revealed severe OALL of C4, 5, 6, 7 with esophageal compression and surgical removal was performed. In both patients, dysphagia and foreign body sensation was immediately relieved after operation and the distance between trachea and each cervical body was increased than preoperative distance in cervical lateral view.

Keyword

Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament; Dysphagia; Cervical spine

MeSH Terms

Constriction, Pathologic
Deglutition Disorders
Diskectomy
Female
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Ligaments
Longitudinal Ligaments
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Male
Neck Pain
Sensation
Trachea