Dysphagia in cervical hyperostosis of Forestier's disease

Some rachis conditions can produce dysphagia. We report one case of extrinsic oesophageal dysphagia, unusual but not exceptional problem. A 76-year-old patient suffering on idiopathic vertebral hyperostosis or Forestier's disease. He showed an enormous osteophytes widespread throughout the cervical vertebrae, fusing together and causing the extrinsic compression both of hypopharynx and oesophagus. Bibliography perusal.     

Cervical involvement of diffuse idiophatic skeletal hyperostosis with dysphagia and rhinolalia

Summary Osteophytosis in degenerative joint diseases of the cervical spine may result in dysphagia. Recently, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or Forestier's disease has also been identified as a cause of dysphagia. A case of DISH with cervical involvement producing dysphagia and rhinolalia is presented. The symptomatology, radiographic features and treatment of DISH involving the cervical region are discussed. The diagnosis of DISH is exclusively radiographic. Recognition of this disorder, unfamiliar to many clinicians, may avoid an unnecessary biopsy procedure of a suspected pharyngeal tumor. Once the diagnosis of DISH is made, a supplemental barium esophagram should be performed to exclude possible coexisting neoplasms. Endoscopy has a definite risk for inducing an inadvertent esophageal perforation and should be avoided, if at all possible. A conservative therapeutic approach is advocated by the authors.     

An unusual complication of Cloward's procedure presenting to the otolaryngologist

We present the case of a 51-year-old lady who developed a CSF leak following a Cloward's procedure (anterior cervical surgery with fusion), which settled with conservative management. Two months following the surgery she was assessed by an otolaryngologist for persistent dysphagia and a swelling in the anterior triangle of her neck. A computed tomography (CT) scan identified a fluid-filled mass displacing the trachea and communicating with the anterior cervical vertebrae, thus confirming the persistence of a CSF leak.     

Dysphagia caused by ventral osteophytes of the cervical spine: clinical and radiographic findings

The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the clinical and radiographic findings in patients with dysphagia and ventral osteophytes of the cervical spine due to degeneration or as a typical feature of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH, Forestier Disease). Since 2003 we encountered 20 patients with such changes in the cervical spine causing an impairment of deglutition. A total of 12 patients had one solitary pair of osteophytes of neighboring vertebrae, 4 patients revealed two pairs and 4 patients had triple pairs of osteophytes. Thirty-two osteophytes were observed totally. A total of 14 of these arose from the right, 15 from the left side and 3 from the middle of the anterior face of the vertebra. Ten patients suffered from DISH, while ten patients revealed osteophytes as a part of a degenerative disorder of the cervical spine. The osteophytes had an average length of 19 mm maximum anterior posterior range. Most of the osteophytes (16) were found in the segments C5/6 and C6/7. Osteophytes of vertebrae C3/4/5 occurred in six cases. Only in one case C2/3 was affected. Functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) revealed an aspiration of thin liquids in seven patients with osteophytes arising from the anterior face of the vertebra C3/4/5 restricting the motility of the epiglottis, which seemed not to close the aditus laryngis. Retention of solids in the piriform sinus on the side obstructed by an osteophyte (C4/5) could also be repeatedly evidenced through FEES. In one case, a strong impairment of the voice because of an immobility of the right vocal cord due to mechanical obstruction by an osteophyte was the indication for surgical removal of the structure. Thus, the dysphagia of this patient was reduced and his voice turned to normal. The development of symptoms in patients with ventral osteophytes was very much related to the location of the structures. Moreover, the clinical symptoms were to some extent dependent on the size of the osteophytes, although there was no direct correlation between size of the structure and severity of the patient’s complaint.     

Multiple myeloma involving the thyroid cartilage

Multiple myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma, and extramedullary plasmacytoma constitute a continuous disease spectrum of plasma cell neoplasms. In the larynx, although extramedullary plasmacytoma in the supraglottic region has been sometimes reported, plasma cell neoplasm with involvement of the thyroid cartilage is extremely rare. We report a case of multiple myeloma involving the thyroid cartilage. A 72-year-old male patient presented with a pathological fracture of the cervical vertebrae. CT scan revealed low-density areas within the thyroid cartilage, but the laryngeal mucosa and submucosal soft tissue were intact. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed, since the tumors in the thyroid cartilage and cervical vertebrae revealed plasmacytoma. Because no other lesion was found, irradiation of the larynx and cervical vertebrae was performed. Neither aggressive change of these lesions nor new lesions have been found over 3-year follow-up following the initial treatment without adjuvant therapy.     

Dysphagia 27 years after cervical disc arthroplasty

IntroductionDysphagia is a frequent postoperative symptom after anterior cervical disc arthroplasty. However, onset of dysphagia and neck pain a long time after surgery should suggest a diagnosis of prosthesis dislocation.Care reportA 65-year-old man with a history of cervical disc arthroplasty 27 years previously consulted for rapidly progressive dysphagia with no other associated symptoms. Physical examination and CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of anterior dislocation of the prosthesis with no signs of perforation. Surgical extraction via a neck incision allowed resolution of the symptoms.DiscussionProsthesis dislocation should be considered in a patient with a history of cervical disc arthroplasty presenting with dysphagia and neck pain. The clinical and radiological assessment confirmed the diagnosis and early surgical management allowed resolution of the symptoms and avoided complications such as pharyngo-oesophageal perforation.     

Evaluation and correction of dysphagia-producing cervical osteophytosis

Cervical osteophytosis may or may not be causally related to concomitant dysphagia. Several characteristics of the osteophyte suggest relation to dysphagia: 1. large size; 2. location in the cricoid region; and 3. hoarseness or cough (periesophagitis) caused by rapid expansion of the bony mass. Surgical excision and repair are necessary in unremitting dysphagia. For high cervical lesions, a transoral repair has been proposed; for mid and lower cervical disease, an external approach is performed. A careful consideration of the differential diagnosis of cervical dysphagia is necessary prior to beginning therapy.     

Asymptomatic retropharyngeal abscess related to cervical Pott's disease

Pott's disease is an uncommon manifestation of tuberculosis, which usually involves thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The body of the vertebrae is most severely affected and a compression fracture is an almost inevitable consequence of the disease. A paravertabral abscess generally accompanies vertebral involvement. Tenderness over the involved vertebrae, weakness of the related muscles, and paraesthesia are the usual symptoms. In this article, we report a case of cervical Pott's disease presenting mainly with neurologic symptoms such as weakness, pain, numbness of both arms and hands, and an asymptomatic retropharyngeal abscess.     

Cervical emphysema caused by Forestier's disease

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a rare cause of dysphagia, preferentially affecting older men. This condition is also known as Forestier's malady, being characterized by a paravertebral ossification of 4 contiguous vertebrae at least. Seldom is the last etiology evoked for high dysphagia after other possible diagnosis exclusion. The diagnosis is confirmed by standard or contrast radiography. Introductory treatment is medical, being the surgery indicated for serious or resisting cases. One case is reported with dysphagia as primary sign of Forestier's malady, and review of possible diagnostic exams and treatments.     

Cervical osteophytes presenting as unilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia.

Any process involving either the vagus nerve, its recurrent laryngeal branch or the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve may cause paralysis of the vocal fold. The most common cause is neoplasm. Clinically, the patients often present with a hoarse, breathy voice as well as symptoms of aspiration. The following represents a unique case of unilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia caused by a degenerative disease of the cervical spine, resluting in extrinsic compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.     

Posttraumatic synostosis between the thyroid cartilage and the cervical spine causing dysphagia

A 64-year-old man, 7 years after cervical trauma, presented with severe dysphagia of 3-month duration. Computed tomography showed an unusual synostosis between the thyroid cartilage and the cervical spine at C5-6-7 on the right side. A barium swallow study revealed no laryngeal elevation during swallowing. Surgical resection of the bony fusion was performed, and the patient's dysphagia immediately improved without any complications. We report a case of delayed synostosis between the thyroid cartilage and the cervical spine causing severe dysphagia 7 years after cervical trauma. Surgical resection of the bony fusion resulted in immediate improvement of the dysphagia.     

Ectopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus

Ectopic gastric mucosa is a known entity of the mid and lower esophagus which was initially described by Schmidt in 1805. The presence of ectopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus, however, was not described. A review of the literature reveals that ectopic gastric mucosa of the cervical esophagus is not uncommon, but symptoms rarely have been attributed to its presence. This paper reports five patients with isolated inflamed ectopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus who presented with odynophagia and/or dysphagia. Physical examination was unremarkable in each case, and an acid barium esophagram was negative in four of five patients. Factors that distinguish these patients from other cases of odynophagia and dysphagia, as well as detailed clinical findings and treatment, are described. Debate exists as to whether the origin of ectopic gastric mucosa is congenital or acquired. The embryology, gross and microscopic anatomy, and pathologic features are outlined. Patients with persistent dysphagia should have flexible fiberoptic esophagoscopy with an index of suspicion to the existence of ectopic gastric mucosa. Inflamed or ulcerated ectopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus should be treated to relieve symptoms and because of the potential for complications.     

Cervical discitis and epidural abscess after tonsillectomy

Approximately 6 weeks after an uncomplicated tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis, a 37-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with complaints of odynophagia and cervical pain persistent since surgery. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical spinal osteomyelitis with epidural abscess at C2 to 3. The patient underwent treatment with intravenous antibiotics, operative debridement, and cervical spinal stabilization. She recovered with no neurologic deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Significant infectious complications of tonsillectomy are uncommon, and cervical spinal osteomyelitis and epidural abscess are exceptionally rare occurrences. In the presence of prolonged pain and dysphagia, imaging can be considered to evaluate for such sequelae.     

Vertebrogenic dysphagia in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (Forestier's disease)]

Swallowing disorders can be caused by morphologic changes of the cervical spine such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. The paper describes current concepts of this clinical entity also known as Forestier's disease. The symptomatology, radiographic features and treatment are discussed. Particular interest is focused on dysphagia. The diagnosis is exclusively radiographic. Cervical osteophytes can be detected in 20-30% of the population in asymptomatic patients. Therefore, the attribution of the presence of osteophytic deformities of the barium column to dysphagia should not be made unless objective evidence of impairment of pharyngeal function such as abnormal posterior pharyngeal wall motion is proven by dynamic imaging means. The therapeutic approach depends on the extent of dysphagic complaints. Indications for surgery are failure to respond to conservative management (anti-inflammatory drugs, concomitant antibiotics, dietary nutrition). The anterolateral extrapharyngeal approach is commonly preferred.     

鼻咽癌放疗后吞咽困难的外科治疗初探

目的探讨鼻咽癌放疗后吞咽障碍的外科治疗方式的有效性及可行性。方法选择2004～2009年我科治疗的鼻咽癌放疗后吞咽障碍的14例患者,根据其症状、体征及临床资料,对7例患者行环咽肌切断术,7例患者进行食管颈部造瘘术。结果 7例行环咽肌切断术的病例,5例有效,患者进食时间缩短,体重增加;2例无效,最后被迫接受胃造瘘手术。7例接受食管颈部造瘘术的病例,术后造瘘口稳定,术后患者生存质量明显提高。结论环咽肌切断术和食管颈部造瘘术是治疗鼻咽癌放疗后吞咽困难的有效手段,对复合脑神经损伤康复训练无效果者及时治疗可以明显改善患者的生存质量。     

Transpharyngeal approach for the treatment of dysphagia due to Forestier's disease.

Forestier's disease (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) is characterized by extensive spinal osteophyte formation and endo-chondral ossification of paravertebral ligaments and muscles. Dysphagia in the setting of Forestier's disease is a rare and hence often unrecognized entity. The dysphagia is due to mechanical obstruction in the initial stages and later due to inflammation and fibrosis. Most of these patients are treated conservatively in the initial stages and later by excision of osteophytes through a lateral cervical approach. We present a case of dysphagia due to cervical osteophytes in the setting of Forestier's disease causing narrowing of the pharynx. The patient was treated surgically via a peroral-transpharyngeal route with excellent results.     

Non-Functional Parathyroid Adenoma Presenting as a Massive Cervical Hematoma: A Case Report

Parathyroid adenoma usually manifests with symptoms related to hypercalcemia, such as urinary stone and bone fracture. It may also present with asymptomatic hypercalcemia. However, spontaneous cervical hematoma may occur very rarely as a result of extracapsular hemorrhage of a cervical parathyroid adenoma causing acute painful cervical swelling, bruising, dyspnea, hoarseness and dysphagia. We report a 44-year-old woman who manifested as a spontaneous cervical hematoma without any clinical evidence of hyperparathyroidism.     

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis as a cause of dysphagia. A case report

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory stiffening disease of the vertebral spine due to extensive bone formation, often causing complete bridging of neighbouring intervertebral spaces. Except for the spine, other parts of the skeleton are rarely affected. Although in 78% of all cases the cervical spine is involved, dysphagia is rare (17%), being caused either by mechanical obstruction or by para-oesophageal inflammation due to irritation at the osteophyte processes. The diagnosis may be established by conventional X-ray of the spine, oesophagogram or CT. The paper describes a patient presenting with dysphagia caused by spondylophyte blockage of the cervical spine.     

Akzessorischer retropharyngealer Knochen

A 77-year-old woman had a history of several-years of dysphagia. On presentation, a submucosal mass impinging on the left oropharynx was present. CT-scans showed a bony structure isolated from the cervical column. The patient underwent complete surgical resection using a transoral approach. Histological examination confirmed the radiological finding; a new formation of bone surrounded by cartilage with hematopoieses in the bone marrow. Recovery was complete within 2 weeks. Dysphagia due to cervical spine osteophytes, Forestier’s disease or progressive ossifying fibrodysplasia is well known. This case adds an isolated retropharyngeal bone formation as a rare cause of dysphagia to the literature.     

Pharyngeal pouch following anterior cervical fusion

A case of an acquired pharyngeal pouch which formed as a consequence of previous anterior cervical fusion is reported. This is a rare cause of pharyngeal pouch formation with only one such case previously reported in the English language literature. In our case adhesions had formed between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the area around the screw used to hold the Senegas plate on the anterior aspect of the fifth to seventh cervical spinal vertebrae.