J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2003 Dec;10(4):335-339.

Dysphagia Due to Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis of The Cervical Spine: A Case Report

• Kim YW
• Jang HG
• Jung JC
• Lee KB

Abstract

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier's disease and ankylosing hyperostosis, is a relatively common disease that predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly men. It is often asymptomatic; especially dysphagia is a rather frequent and prominent symptom, particularly when the cervical spine is involved with the hyperostotic state. A case of DISH, with dysphagia, was experienced, which was treated by excision of the bony spur, with an anterior approach.

Keyword

Cervical spine; Hyperostosis; Dysphagia

MeSH Terms

Aged
Deglutition Disorders*
Humans
Hyperostosis
Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal*
Male
Spine*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Preoperative cervical spine lateral radiograph. Note anteriorly displacing laryngeal air shadow with large osteophyte at C3-4.

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  Fig. 2. A anteroposterior view of thoracic spine, demonstrate flowing hyperostosis at right side.

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  Fig. 3. Preoperative cervical spine CT demonstrating compression of esophagus by anterior bony spur.

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  Fig. 4. Preoperative esophagogram. Note extrinsic compression of esophageal posterior wall by protruding bony spur of the anterior aspect of C3-4.

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  Fig. 5. Postoperative cervical spine lateral radiograph. Severe bony spur was removed from C3-4.

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  Fig. 6. Postoperative esophagogram. Pooling of barium column is not seen, and some barium is able to empty into esophagus

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