Significant overlap of inflammatory and degenerative features on imaging among patients with degenerative disc disease, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and axial spondyloarthritis: a real-life cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating between degenerative disc disease (DDD), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) represents a diagnostic challenge in patients with low back pain (LBP). We aimed to evaluate the distribution of inflammatory and degenerative imaging features in a real-life cohort of LBP patients referred to a tertiary university rheumatology center. METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients referred for LBP, demographics, symptom information, and available imaging were collected. SpA-like changes were considered in the spine in the presence of one of the following lesions typically related to SpA: erosions, sclerosis, squaring, and syndesmophytes on conventional radiographs (CR) and bone marrow oedema (BMO), erosions, sclerosis, and fat lesions (FL) on MRI. SIJ CR were graded per New York criteria; on MRIs, SIJs were evaluated by quadrant for BMO, erosions, FL, sclerosis and ankylosis, similar to the approach used by the Berlin SIJ MRI scoring system. The final diagnosis made by the rheumatologist was the gold standard. Data were presented descriptively, by patient and by quadrant, and compared among the three diagnosis groups. RESULTS: Among 136 referred patients, 71 had DDD, 38 DISH, and 27 axSpA; median age 62 years [IQR55-73], 63% males. On CR, SpA-like changes were significantly higher in axSpA in the lumbar (50%, vs. DDD 23%, DISH 22%), in DISH in the thoracic (28%, vs. DDD 8%, axSpA 12%), and in DDD in the cervical spine (67% vs. DISH 0%, axSpA 33%). On MRI, BMO was significantly higher in DISH in the thoracic (37%, vs. DDD 22%, axSpA 5%) and equally distributed in the lumbar spine (35-42%). FL were significantly more frequently identified in DISH and axSpA in the thoracic (56% and 52%) and DDD and axSpA in the lumbar spine (65% and 74%, respectively). Degenerative changes were frequent in the three groups. Sacroiliitis (NY criteria) was identified in 49% (axSpA 76%, DDD 48%, DISH 29%). CONCLUSION: A significant overlap was found among DDD, DISH, and axSpA for inflammatory and degenerative imaging features. Particularly, SpA-like spine CR features were found in one-fourth of patients with DISH, and MRI BMO was found in one-third of those patients.

Spatiotemporal changes in imaging features associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to characterise spatiotemporal features of disease progression in people with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), early-phase DISH, and those not meeting either criterion who had repeated CT scans of the thoracic spine. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed in collaboration with the Rochester Epidemiology Project to evaluate completeness of ectopic bridging across the thoracic spine and corresponding disease status over an average of 2.7 years (range from 0.2 to 15.0 years) in a cohort of 83 female and 74 male individuals. RESULTS: Over 15% of individuals displayed changes in imaging features over time that resulted in a revised diagnosis along the continuum of DISH. Early-phase DISH was marked by new involvement of previously unaffected motion segments, estimated to occur over 2.1 years. Advanced presentations of DISH were marked by increased prevalence of complete bridging (average two of three available motion segments), estimated to occur over 2.6-2.9 years. Localised nodules of ectopic mineralisation external to and within the intervertebral disc were regularly observed in early-phase DISH. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first characterisation of spatiotemporal features across all phases of DISH, indicating that progression of DISH is characterised by distinct features at different phases along the disease continuum. Localised nodules of mineralisation in the spinal ligaments and within the intervertebral discs coincident with early phases of the disease may be a key factor in the pathogenesis of DISH.

High prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) among obese young patients - A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by ossification of ligaments and entheses, and most commonly affects the spinal column. The prevalence of DISH is increasing with age and is considered uncommon before the age of 50 years, with an estimated prevalence of less than 5 %. DISH is known to be highly associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. We aim to assess the prevalence of DISH among young (≤50 yr.) patients suffering from severe obesity (BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher). METHODS: A retrospective analysis assessing chest and spine radiographs (including Computed Tomography, CT) of patients with BMI≥35 visiting the bariatric ambulatory clinic in an academic medical center from 2013 to 2022. Patients included in the analysis were 31-50 years old. Diagnosis of DISH was made according to the Resnick criteria. The prevalence of DISH was calculated. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and compared between the DISH and non-DISH groups. RESULTS: 183 young (mean age: 40.4; 118 females, 64.2 %) obese (BMI median: 40.6; range 35-73) patients were included in the radiographic review. DISH was diagnosed in 33 patients (18.0 %; 95 % CI: 13.1-24.2 %) which was significantly higher than the expected 10 % (Z = 3.62, p<.001); another 8 patients (4.4 %; 95 % CI: 2.2-8.4 %) were considered as "near DISH" (not fulfilling yet the Resnick criteria) as it represents a pre-disease state. Patients diagnosed with DISH were significantly older than patients without DISH (t = 4.54, p<.001), as the prevalence of DISH increased by age (linear association=14.95, p<.001). There was a statistically significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (χ2 = 8.30, p<.004), smoking (χ2 = 4.69, p<.03) and OSA (χ2 = 6.16, p<.013) in the DISH group as compared to their non-DISH counterparts. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DISH among obese young patients was 18 %, which is much higher than in the general population. Early-onset DISH should be regarded as a musculoskeletal obesity-related complication.

Utility of MRI-based vertebral bone quality scores and CT-based Hounsfield unit values in vertebral bone mineral density assessment for patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

This study investigated bone mineral density assessment for patients with DISH. DXA-based T-scores overestimated bone quality, while MRI-based VBQ scores and CT-based HU values provided accurate assessments, particularly for advanced degenerative cases. This enhances accurate evaluation of BMD, crucial for clinical decision-making. PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic effectiveness of DXA, MRI, and CT in assessing bone mineral density (BMD) for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 105 DISH patients and 116 age-matched controls with lumbar spinal stenosis was conducted. BMD was evaluated using DXA-based T-scores, MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores, and CT-based Hounsfield unit (HU) values. Patients were categorized into three BMD subgroups. Lumbar osteophyte categories were determined by Mata score. Demographics, clinical data, T-scores, VBQ scores, and HU values were collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified VBQ and HU thresholds for diagnosing normal BMD using DXA in controls. Correlations between VBQ, HU, and lumbar T-score were analyzed. RESULTS: Age, gender, and BMI showed no significant differences between DISH and control groups. DISH patients had higher T-score (L1-4), the lowest T-score, and Mata scores. VBQ and HU did not significantly differ between groups. In controls, VBQ and HU effectively diagnosed normal BMD (AUC = 0.857 and 0.910, respectively) with cutoffs of 3.0 for VBQ and 104.3 for HU. DISH had higher normal BMD prevalence using T-scores (69.5% vs. 58.6%, P < 0.05), but no significant differences using VBQ (57.1% vs. 56.2%, P > 0.05) and HU (58.1% vs. 57.8%, P > 0.05). Correlations revealed moderate correlations between HU and T-scores (L1-4) in DISH (r = 0.642, P < 0.001) and strong in controls (r = 0.846, P < 0.001). Moderate negative correlations were observed between VBQ and T-scores (L1-4) in DISH (r = - 0.450, P < 0.001) and strong in controls (r = - 0.813, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DXA-based T-scores may overestimate BMD in DISH. VBQ scores and HU values could effectively complement BMD assessment, particularly in DISH patients or those with advanced lumbar degeneration.

Síndrome de Forester, hiperostosis esquelética idiopática difusa: reporte de un caso de disfagia orofaringea con tratamiento conservador y revisión de literatura / Forestier 's Syndrome, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hiperostosis: report of a case of oropharyngeal dysphagia with conservative treatment and literature review

El síndrome de Forestier es una enfermedad reumatológica, de origen desconocido, que consiste en la calcificación de diferentes zonas del cuerpo, predominantemente a nivel del ligamento vertebral común anterior, donde se forman osteofitos capaces de producir sintomatología variada y de intensidad variable. Normalmente asintomática, aunque, cuando afecta la columna cervical, el síntoma más común es la disfagia. Se presenta un caso de Síndrome de Forestier que consultó por disfagia en la Unidad de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Instituto de Previsión Social de Asunción, Paraguay. La semiología permitió observar un abombamiento submucoso en la pared posterior de la orofaringe de 1,5 cm de diámetro, que pudo ser evaluado y confirmado por tomografía. Debido a poca intensidad de la sintomatología y escasa repercusión en el estado general se decidió realizar un tratamiento conservador con buenos resultados, tras dos años de seguimiento clínico. En estos casos la cirugía ocupa un lugar secundario, ya sea ante el fracaso de esta conducta conservadora o ante la progresión de los síntomas

Forestier Syndrome is a rheumatological disease of unknown origin, which consist in calcification of different areas of the body, predominantly at the level of the anterior common vertebral ligament, where osteophytes capable of producing varied symptoms of variable intensity are formed. Normally asymptomatic, although, when it affects the cervical spine, the most common symptom is dysphagia.A case of Forestier syndrome is presented who consulted for dysphagia in the Head and Neck Surgery Unit of the Otolaryngology Service of the Institute of Social Prevision, Asuncion, Paraguay. The semiology allowed to observe a submucosal bulge in the posterior wall of the oropharynx of 1,5 cm in diameter, which could be evaluated and confirmed by tomography.Due to the low intensity of the symptoms and little impact on the general state, it was decided to carry out a conservative treatment with good results, after two years of clinical follow-up. In these cases, surgery occupies a secondary place, either before the failure of this conservative behavior or the progression of the symptoms.

Enfermedad de Forestier en paciente mayor de 65 años: reporte de caso con seguimiento a 6 años de manejo conservador / Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): report of one case

Forestier Disease, or Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), causes a considerable ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. When it involves cervical segments, it can be accompanied by dysphagia, dysphonia and/or dyspnea. This entity usually has a benign course. Surgical treatment is required for progressive cases. We report a 72-year-old male with a history of chronic cervical pain and slight neck stiffness. On the imaging studies, there was an exuberant ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, at the cervical spine level, between C2 and C7. He was managed conservatively without clinical deterioration in a six-year follow-up.

Hiperostosis esquelética idiopática difusa (DISH), respecto de dos casos / Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hiperostosis, respect of two cases

La hiperostosis esquelética idiopática difusa (DISH) o enfermedad de Forestier es una patología que presenta como principal manifestación la osificación del ligamento longitudinal anterior (LLA) y la formación de puentes óseos intervertebrales. Las repercusiones otorrinolaringológicas con poca frecuencia son descritas, siendo la disfagia, la disfonía y la disnea los síntomas más comunes. Presentamos dos casos clínicos de DISH en pacientes de sexo masculino de setenta y cuatro años y otro de setenta y un años respectivamente, con disfagia de varias semanas de evolución asociado a disfonía y disnea en un caso. Realizamos la discusión de ambos casos y de las manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas de esta patología.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hiperostosis (DISH) or Forester's disease is a pathology characterized by the ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) and the formation of intervertebral osseous bridges. The otolaryngology repercussions are rarely described, dysphagia, hoarseness and dyspnea being the most common symptoms. We present a clinical case of two patients with DISH in a 74 year-old male patient and another of 71 year-old respectively, suffering from several weeks of dysphagia associated with dysphonia and dyspnea in one case. We are going to discuss both cases together with the otolaryngological manifestations of this pathology.