Dysphagia due to diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis of the cervical spine.

ABSTRACT

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.