Elongated styloid process and cervical spondylosis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Otolaryngology
• Radiology

Background:

• Dysphagia is a common symptom indicating upper digestive tract issues, particularly in the elderly.
• Common causes include tumors, reflux, achalasia, and extrinsic compressions.
• Cervical osteophyte-induced dysphagia is uncommon and necessitates excluding other differential diagnoses.

Observation:

• This case report details four patients experiencing dysphagia due to anterior cervical osteophytes.
• Diagnostic methods included detailed history, ENT examination, cervical radiography, MRI, and barium swallowing studies.
• Eagle syndrome was excluded despite styloid process elongation in all patients.

Findings:

• Cervical osteophytes can cause dysphagia, a rare clinical presentation.
• Thorough patient examination and advanced imaging are crucial for diagnosis.
• Differential diagnosis must exclude conditions like Eagle syndrome.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of cervical osteophyte-induced dysphagia relies on comprehensive evaluation.
• Exclusion of other potential causes, such as Eagle syndrome, is vital.
• This highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies in dysphagia management.