Eagle Syndrome Secondary to Osteoradionecrosis of the Styloid Process

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition caused by elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament. The symptomatology can be vague but may include dysphagia, odynophagia, otalgia, foreign body sensation, facial pain, trismus, headache, tinnitus, increased salivation, and/or voice changes.

We present the case of a 58-year-old male believed to have acquired Eagle syndrome secondary to osteoradionecrosis of the styloid process following radiation therapy used as adjuvant treatment for a surgically resected pT2N1M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil.

Radiation is a common component of treatment for head and neck cancers. The diagnosis of Eagle syndrome secondary to osteoradionecrosis of the styloid process is an elusive, but important, diagnosis to consider because the condition can be treated successfully.