Transient Velopharyngeal Insufficiency After Calcified Stylohyoid Ligament Resection

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Eagle syndrome involves the elongation of the stylohyoid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament.
• It is frequently discovered incidentally on imaging studies and often presents without symptoms.

Observation:

• A 28-year-old female with a history of tonsillectomy presented with throat and ear pain.
• Neck CT confirmed Eagle syndrome, and surgical treatment was advised.
• Post-surgery, the patient experienced temporary velopharyngeal insufficiency, which resolved with exercises.

Findings:

• Symptomatic Eagle syndrome necessitates surgical management, with transcervical or transoral approaches being common.
• Transient velopharyngeal insufficiency is a potential postoperative complication requiring management and follow-up.
• Calcification of the stylohyoid ligament should be considered in younger and middle-aged patients with dysphagia or odynophagia.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis are crucial for patients presenting with dysphagia or odynophagia.
• Awareness of potential complications like velopharyngeal insufficiency is important for surgical planning and patient care.
• This case highlights the importance of considering Eagle syndrome in specific patient demographics and symptom profiles.