Dysphagia due to diffuseidiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): case report

Abstract

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or Forestier's disease isa form of degenerative arthritiswith unique spinal and extra spinal manifestations. Dysphagia due to DISH is uncommon but when present DISH should be suspected. Surgical decompression can relieve some of the symptoms. We report a case of a 60 year old male with progressive dysphagia, hoarseness of voice and fixed neck flexion. Imaging studies showed flowing osteophytes of the cervical and thoracic spines. Anterior decompression of the osteophytes at C3/4 was done to relieve the dysphagia with good outcome.