title: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.
abstract: The ubiquitous nature of spinal ligamentous calcification in the paleontologic record provides additional support for the suggestion that DISH is a protective phenomenon rather than a musculoskeletal disease, and perhaps represents a normal variant. Clinical assessment of contemporary DISH suggests a protective mechanical effect, paradoxically associated with increased risk of hypertension and cerebrovascular accident. DISH should probably not be considered a satisfactory explanation for back pain, but the presence of spinal ligamentous calcification requires that the patient be assessed for hypertension and that aggressive therapy be instituted for any found.
authors.affiliation: Menorah Medical Center, Kansas City, MO.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Rothschild
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D004057:Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D009068:Movement; D010164:Paleopathology; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology