Turkish Neurosurgery
2008 , Vol 18 , Num 4
Dysphagia Due to Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis of the Cervical Spine
Ankara Atatürk Research and Education Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara, Turkey
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or Forestier's disease is a
common disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by ossification of
the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine and various extra-spinal
ligaments. We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with progressive
dysphagia due to DISH of the cervical spine, which is a relatively rare pathology
in neurosurgical practice. The cervical osteophytes extending from C2 to C4 and
external compression of the pharyngoesophageal segment by the large
osteophytes were demonstrated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and
computed tomography. Surgical removal of the large osteophytes and a shortterm
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimen led to the resolution of
dysphagia. The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of this unusual
condition are discussed.
Keywords :
DISH, Dysphagia, Hyperostosis, Osteophyte, Spine, Treatment