[Tracheal stenosis by extrinsic compression: a case of anterior cervical hypertrophic osteophytosis]

Anterior Cervical Hypertrophic Osteophytosis (ACHO) is a clinical entity caused by degenerative changes of the cervical spine. ACHO may also be found in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)1-3, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Post-traumatic Osteophytogenesis. In a minority of cases it may lead to oesophagical manifestations and less commonly, to respiratory complaints. The authors report the case of a 75-year-old male with a personal history of chronic tophaceous gout and chronic obstructive lung disease. The patient presented with a history of progressive worsening of dyspnoea and dysphagia (for solid food) as well as foreign body sensation at the cervical level. On general examination, the patient presented with slightly diminished breath sounds and an increased expiratory time. On rheumatologic examination, the patient had moderate limitation of all cervical movements, crepitating knees and multiple gout tophi in both hands. Cervical plain radiographs showed large anterior osteophytes at the level of C4 and C5. Flexible videobronchoscopy was also performed, showing an angle of distortion in the upper third of the tracheal wall, caused by extrinsic compression. These changes were confirmed by cervical CT scan which also documented an anterior sliding of the oesophagus due to large anterior cervical osteophytes. Videofluoroscopic swallow study revealed the presence of paradoxal contraction of the cricopharyngeal muscle. The patient was treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a skeletal muscle relaxant. Dysphagia improved but not the respiratory symptoms. Although there was indication for surgical removal of the hypertrophic osteophytes, the patient refused surgery and continues to be followed-up regularly at our outpatient clinic.