Related Experiment Videos
[Dysphagia due to a cervical osteophyte: a case report].
Sündüs Gençay1, Haluk Yavuz, Cüneyt Yilmazer
1Department of Otolaryngology, Medicine Faculty of Başkent University, Adana Training Hospital, Adana, Turkey. drsundus@hotmail.com
Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtisas Dergisi : KBB = Journal of Ear, Nose, and Throat
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Cervical osteophytes, bony growths on the spine, can cause swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) by pressing on the esophagus. This case highlights a patient with dysphagia due to cervical osteophytes unresponsive to anti-inflammatory treatment.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Hypertrophic changes in the cervical spine, specifically cervical osteophytes, can lead to significant upper aerodigestive tract symptoms.
- These bony spurs may protrude anteriorly, impinging upon the pharynx or esophagus.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male presented with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
- Physical examination revealed no abnormalities.
- Barium esophagography identified osteophytic spurs on the anterior aspect of the C4-5 vertebrae causing external esophageal compression.
Findings:
- The cervical osteophytes at C4-5 were directly responsible for the patient's obstructive dysphagia.
- A three-week course of anti-inflammatory therapy failed to alleviate the patient's symptoms.
- The patient declined recommended surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Cervical osteophytes are a potential cause of dysphagia, requiring accurate diagnosis via imaging like barium esophagography.
- Non-surgical management with anti-inflammatory drugs may be ineffective for significant osteophyte-induced dysphagia.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for symptomatic cervical osteophytes causing esophageal obstruction.