Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Rare Cause of Dysphagia

34 PhiliPPine Journal of otolaryngology-head and neck Surgery Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a disease characterized by massive, noninflammatory ossification with intensive formation of osteophytes affecting ligaments, tendons and fascia of the anterior part of the spinal column mostly in the middle and lower thoracic regions. However, isolated and predominant cervical spinal involvement may occur. It has predilection for men (65%) over 50 years of age and a prevalence of approximately 15-20% in elderly patients.1 A CT scan is one of the diagnostic tools. The radiographic diagnostic criteria in the spine include: 1) osseous bridging along the anterolateral aspect of at least four vertebral bodies; 2) relative sparing of intervertebral disc heights with minimal or absent disc degeneration; and 3) absence of apophyseal joint ankylosis and sacroiliac sclerosis.2 We present a rare case of dysphagia over two years duration due to DISH.