Turkish Neurosurgery
2008 , Vol 18 , Num 4
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
Corresponding author : İhsan Solaroğlu, isolaroglu@hotmail.com