[Eagle syndrom: a rare cause of lateral neck pain]

Cervical pain is usually related to spinal disease. Occasionally, it may originate from the throat or other soft tissues of the neck. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented at the outpatient clinic for lateral neck pain on the left side, increased by rotation of the head and chewing. General and ear-nose-throat aminations were normal. Pain was elicited by extension of the cervical spine per cervical spine. Laboratory tests were normal. Plain radiographs showed no vertebral or disc space abnormality but elongated styloid processes. The CT scan showed ossifications of the stylohyoid ligaments on both sides compatiblewith an Eagle's syndrome. The electromyogram showed no lesion of the glossopharyngeus nerve. Presence of an elongated styloid process or ossified stylo-hyoid ligament on a neck radiograph is not rare. Their presence is frequently an incidental radiographic finding because they are usually asymptomatic. These ossifications can essentially induce throat symptoms associated with glossopharyngeus nerve or carotid artery impairments. Isolated rheumatological symptoms are rarely observed.