Stridor and Dysphagia in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): Detection on dental radiologic examinations in two older adults and overview of the literature

BACKGROUND

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a potentially serious osteopathic disorder associated with coalescing ossifications of the anterior vertebrae and may be concomitant with a constellation of symptomatology and systemic comorbidities. There is limited dental literature describing this finding on panoramic radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

Two case reports of DISH are provided. One patient manifested extensive ossifications along the cervical vertebrae and consequent episodes of dysphagia and hoarseness. The other affected patient's cervical ossification was found at an earlier stage of formation and without symptomatology. Panoramic radiography, cervical spine radiography, and CBCT examinations have been provided.

CONCLUSION

Attending dental healthcare practitioners should carefully evaluate all areas of interest and surrounding fields of view when taking panoramic radiographs and CBCT scans for manifestations of DISH and other potential disorders of the cervical vertebrae. A suspected radiologic finding of DISH should prompt timely referral for comprehensive medical assessment to mitigate neurologic deficits and other comorbidities.

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis of the Spine: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is an ankylosing condition affecting up to 32.5% of the general cohort. Although often asymptomatic, affected individuals may present with back pain, stiffness, dysphagia, functional decline, and neurologic deficits. Radiographically, DISH is characterized by flowing ossifications along the anterior spine spanning ≥4 vertebral bodies. Although the etiology of DISH remains unknown, diabetes mellitus and other metabolic derangements are strongly associated with DISH. Importantly, spinal ankylosis in DISH predisposes patients to unstable spine fractures from low-energy trauma, and careful consideration must be taken in managing these patients. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of DISH, and its clinical findings, diagnostic criteria, and management.

Timing of Surgical Intervention for Dysphagia in Patients With Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was (1) to measure rates of successful resolution of dysphagia in patients after undergoing surgical intervention for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH); and (2) to determine if older age, longer duration of preoperative symptoms, or increased severity of disease was correlated with unsuccessful surgical intervention.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

DISH, also known as Forestier disease, is an enthesopathy affecting up to 35% of the elderly population. Many patients develop osteophytes of the anterior cervical spine, which contribute to chronic symptoms of dysphagia causing debilitating weight loss and possibly resulting in the placement of a permanent gastrostomy feeding tube. For patients that fail conservative medical management, an increase in surgical interventions have been reported in the literature in the last 2 decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Studies measuring outcomes after surgical intervention for patients with dysphagia from DISH were selected for inclusion. Two independent reviewers screened and assessed all literature in accordance with Cochrane systematic reviewing standards.

RESULTS

In total, 22 studies reporting 119 patients were selected for inclusion. Successful relief of dysphagia was obtained in 89% of patients after surgical intervention. Failure to relieve dysphagia was associated with increased length of symptoms preoperatively (P<0.01) using logistic regression. Patients with more severe preoperative symptoms also seem to have an increased risk for treatment failure (risk ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-6.85; P=0.02). Treatment failure was not associated with patient age, use of intraoperative tracheostomy, implementation of additional fusion procedures, level of involved segments, or number of involved segments.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing surgical intervention have a higher likelihood of failing surgery with increasing preoperative symptom length and increased preoperative symptom severity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Anterior cervical osteophytes causing dysphagia: Choice of the approach and surgical problems

Background

Anterior cervical osteophytes (ACOs) may rarely cause dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Symptomatic ACOs are most commonly located between C3 and C7, whereas those at higher cervical (C1-C2) levels are rarer. We report a case series of 4 patients and discuss the best surgical approach according to the ostheophyte location and size, mainly for those located at C1-C2, and the related surgical problems.

Materials and Methods

Four patients (two males and two females) aged from 57 to 72 years were operated on for ACOs, causing variable dysphagia (and dyspnea with respiratory arrest in one). Three patients with osteophytes between C3 and C5 were approached through antero-lateral cervical approach, and one with a large osteophyte between C1 and C3-C4 level underwent a two-stage transcervical and transoral approach. All had significant postoperative improvement of dysphagia.

Results

The patient operated on though the transoral approach experienced postoperative flogosis of the prevertebral tissues and occipital muscles and thrombosis of the right jugular vein and transverse-sigmoid sinuses (Lemierre syndrome).

Conclusion

The transoral approach is the best surgical route to resect C1 and C2 ACOs, whereas the endoscopic endonasal approach is not indicated. The anterior transcervical approach is easier to resect osteophytes at C3, as well as those located below C3. A combined transoral and anterior cervical approach may be necessary for multilevel osteophytes.

Dysphagia in a Young Adult: Rare Case of Giant Cervical Osteophyte

Cervical osteophytes may be seen in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ankylosing spondylitis, posttraumatic, postoperative, degenerative causes, cervical spondylosis, and infectious spondylitis. A cervical osteophyte is very rarely considered among the differentials for symptoms of dysphagia. C5–C6 as well as C6–C7 being a site of greater load-bearing and mobility, the propensity to form osteophytes is high, with a small osteophyte leading to local mass effect. A 42-year-old male patient presented with mild dyspnea and significant dysphagia since 8 months, accompanied by dysphonia, weight loss, and intermittent aspiration. Clinical examination including neurological examination was normal. A barium swallow showed that osteophytes were severely protruding and displacing the lower pharynx and the proximal esophagus anterosuperiorly. The patient underwent surgical removal of the osteophyte through Smith–Robinson approach. Complaints of dysphagia were significantly decreased in postoperative period. A thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out other causes of dysphagia. Surgical management of this uncommon condition might be considered after confirmation of the osteophyte to be the offending lesion as it has favorable clinical outcomes.

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: Persistent Sore Throat and Dysphagia in an Elderly Smoker Male

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is rarely symptomatic. However, it can present with dyspnea, hoarseness, dysphagia, and stridor. An 80-year-old chronic smoker male presented with 6-month history of sore throat and progressive dysphagia. Computed tomography of the neck revealed bulky anterior bridging syndesmophytes along the anterior aspect of the cervical spine and facet effusion involving four contiguous vertebrae consistent with DISH. Dysphagia secondary to DISH was diagnosed. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Patient's airway became compromised requiring tracheostomy tube placement. After discussion of therapeutic options, patient agreed on a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion for nutritional support. Osteophytectomy was left to be discussed further.

Swallowing disorders among patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

CONCLUSION

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a cause of swallowing disorders in elderly, and otolaryngologists should be aware of the disease on dealing with old patients complaining of dysphagia. The condition may be treated conservatively in most patients; however, surgical reduction of cervical osteophytes may be needed in severe cases.

OBJECTIVE

Large cervical osteophytes may cause dysphagia; they compress the pharynx leading to mechanical impairment of swallowing. DISH is characterized by ossification of the anterior longitudinal spinal ligament with formation of osteophytes. The aim was to investigate swallowing disorders among patients with DISH.

METHOD

The study included 139 patients with DISH. Their swallowing was evaluated using the eating assessment tool (EAT-10), and patients with swallowing disorders were subjected to fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), they received conservative treatment for 6 months. Patients were assessed again after treatment using the same measures that were employed before treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (16.5%) demonstrated swallowing disorder, and FEES showed residues of food in the pharynx after swallow in all of them. Significant overall improvement after conservative treatment was achieved, with two patients resuming their normal regular diet. However, one patient demonstrated no improvement, and he needed surgical reduction of his large cervical osteophytes.

Forestier’s disease and its implications in otolaryngology: literature review✩✩Please cite this article as: Pulcherio JOB, Velasco CMMO, Machado RS, Souza WN, Menezes DR. Forestier’s disease and its implications in otolaryngology: literature review. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;80:161-6.,✩✩✩✩Study conducted at Hospital Central da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Introdução

Objetivo

Método

Resultados

Conclusão

Otolaryngologic manifestations of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by formation of large cervical osteophytes that may compress the posterior wall of the aerodigestive tract. It is a rare cause of dysphagia in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the various otolaryngologic manifestations of DISH. Eleven elderly patients with DISH were included in the study. All patients presented with dysphagia that was graded on the swallowing screening tool (EAT-10), and the diagnosis of DISH was based on computed tomographic criteria. The patients were subjected to otolaryngologic examination and flexible laryngoscopy. Polysomnography was used for patients with excessive daytime sleepiness for detection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In addition to dysphagia of varying severity, OSA was found in nine patients, change of voice in six, globus sensation in seven, aspiration in three, and cervical pain in seven. Flexible laryngoscopy showed bulging of the posterior pharyngeal wall in all patients. DISH may be an unrecognized contributory factor to both dysphagia and OSA in the elderly. Change of voice, aspiration, globus sensation, and cervical pain are other otolaryngologic manifestations that may be encountered symptoms of the disease. An otolaryngologist should be aware of the disease that may be overlooked, and computed tomography is a confirmatory diagnostic method.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis of the cervical spine: an underestimated cause of dysphagia and airway obstruction

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common but underdiagnosed condition relating to ossification of spinal ligaments that can cause compression of the esophagus and trachea. According to case reports, dysphagia or airway obstruction resulting from DISH is a rare occurrence.

PURPOSE

This study was intended to identify all published cases of dysphagia and/or airway obstruction resulting from DISH to increase the epidemiologic/clinical knowledge of these related conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review of the literature was performed.

METHODS

The articles resulting from the systematic PubMed/EMBASE search of the literature were closely read, and predefined parameters were scored.

RESULTS

The search yielded a total of 118 articles (95 case reports and 23 case series) describing 204 patients with dysphagia and/or airway obstruction resulting from DISH. The number of cases demonstrated a steady increase from 1980 to 2009. This might be a real effect not ascribable to publication bias or expansion of the medical literature alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis as a cause of dysphagia and/or airway obstruction may be an increasing and underappreciated phenomenon. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dysphagia and airway obstruction.

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)-A Rare Etiology of Dysphagia

A 72-year-old gentleman presented to the hospital with progressively worsening dysphagia to soft foods and liquids. He was diagnosed with severe pharyngeal dysphagia by modified barium swallow. A CT scan of the neck with IV contrast showed anterior flowing of bridging osteophytes from C3–C6, indicative of DISH, resulting in esophageal impingement. He underwent resection of the DISH segments. Following the surgery, a PEG tube for nutrition supplementation was placed. However, the PEG tube was removed after five months when the speech and swallow evaluation showed no residual dysphagia. DISH is a rare non-inflammatory condition that results in pathological ossification and calcification of the anterolateral spinal ligaments.

Anterior cervical osteophyte dysphagia: manofluorographic and functional outcomes after surgery

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to investigate the clinical and manofluorographic findings of patients with anterior cervical osteophyte (ACO) dysphagia before and after surgery.

METHODS

Chart review including manofluorography (MFG) data of patients undergoing ACO removal was undertaken.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent transcervical ACO removal over a 10-year period. A postoperative hematoma was the only surgical complication. Overall, there was a significant postoperative decrease in Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS). MFG data showed an elevated preoperative intrabolus pressure gradient across the osteophyte (IB-Gra), 39.78 mm Hg, and IB-Gra significantly decreased to 19 mm Hg 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Functional (FOSS) and objective MFG (IB-Gra) improvements occurred in patients who had ACO dysphagia and underwent surgery. These findings support high IB-Gra as a reliable objective indicator for surgical intervention for ACO dysphagia and IB-Gra as an appropriate parameter for follow-up after ACO removal. In selected patients, ACO removal by anterolateral-transcervical approach is a safe and highly effective treatment.

Hypertrophic Anterior Cervical Osteophytes Causing Dysphagia and Airway Obstruction

Hyperostosis of anterior cervical vertebral osteophytes can produce otolaryngological symptoms ranging from mild dysphagia, dysphonia, and foreign body sensation to severe food impaction and stridulous dyspnea. Airway compromise necessitating a tracheostomy is very rare. We discuss the case of an elderly man who presented with progressive dysphagia and a large hypopharyngeal mass as his initial manifestations of hypertrophic anterior cervical osteophytes. After a biopsy of the mass, the patient went into airway distress due to bilateral vocal fold fixation by the enlarging mass and consequently required a surgical airway. A combined team approach to the removal of the osteophytes successfully resolved his symptoms. The clinical, diagnostic, radiologic, and therapeutic principles involved in this case are presented and discussed. The recognition of hypertrophic osteophytes as a potential cause of common otolaryngological symptoms in the elderly population is paramount, as these symptoms can rapidly progress and lead to life-threatening airway obstruction. Medical and surgical interventions can be employed for the treatment of hypertrophic anterior cervical osteophytes, and they often result in favorable outcomes.

Symptomatic lumbar mobile segment with spinal canal stenosis in a fused spine associated with diffused idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Chronic, continuous stress at the junction of a stable/unstable site of the spine in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has been reported to cause a nonunion. Back pain resulting from the nonunion has been rarely reported and few operative treatments have been suggested.

PURPOSE

To report and discuss the pathogenesis, treatment, and surgical outcome of a rare cause of back pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report of back pain caused by a single lumbar segment is lacking bony union at the caudal end of a fused spine associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

METHODS

Back pain in a 66-year-old man who had suffered for 10 years worsened. The back pain and thigh pain became intolerable, and the left buttock and thigh became numb. Radiographs and computed tomography images showed continuous hyperostosis in the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies from C2 to L2. At the caudal adjacent level of these fused segments, L2/3 level was mobile and had canal stenosis. Decompression and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) were performed.

RESULTS

The pain disappeared soon after the operation. The nonunited segment showed bony union at the 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

PLIF may be an option for surgically treating symptomatic nonunited lumbar segments at the caudal end of a fused spine with DISH in cases unresponsive to conservative treatment.