Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Dysphagia Secondary to Cervical Hyperostosis in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Case Report
Ali Mohamed1, Harvey Lai1, Nikkie Verhagen1
1General and Acute Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, AUS.
None:
Dysphagia in older adults is commonly attributed to intrinsic oesophageal pathology. Extrinsic mechanical causes of dysphagia due to uncommon conditions are often overlooked. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory disorder characterised by ossification of spinal ligaments and may cause dysphagia when the cervical spine is involved. We describe a 79-year-old man presenting with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and aspiration secondary to extrinsic compression by cervical osteophytes in the context of DISH. The patient underwent multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with osteophytectomy, followed by swallow rehabilitation, resulting in resolution of his symptoms. This case emphasises the importance of considering cervical DISH in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients presenting with unexplained dysphagia. It also highlights the value of imaging in establishing the diagnosis of this condition.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations: