Cervical diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) causing oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory condition characterised by calcification and ossification of the vertebral ligaments. It is most commonly seen to affect the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and is usually seen among elderly men. The cause of this condition is unknown. Risk factors include male gender, obesity, diabetes and advancing age. The majority of these cases are found incidentally on imaging and patients are generally asymptomatic. Cervical DISH is less common than its thoracic and lumbar counterparts. When symptomatic, it can cause dysphagia or sometimes airway compromise. If this happens, surgical intervention should be performed. Although a rare cause of dysphagia, DISH is easily diagnosed with imaging. When identified, surgical decompression produces very good clinical outcomes.
Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Nellowe
N
Candelario
Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Kevin Bryan
KB
Lo
Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Mario
M
Naranjo
D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D004057:Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male