[Forestier disease disclosed by dysphagia. Apropos of a case]

A 74-year-old man presented with a several year history of dysphagia and dysphonia. X-ray examination showed prevertebral ossification, from C2-C3 to C3-C4, associated with a calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. The same abnormalities were present in the thoracolumbar spine. There was no hypertrophy nor ankylosis of the articular joints or the sacroiliac articles, and no biological abnormalities. These characteristics are typical of Forestier's disease also named "diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)". Because of the consequences of dysphagia, an operation was carried out with a good result at two months. Symptomatic forms of Forestier's disease are uncommon, but in some cases, surgery is indicated because of the importance of dysphagia and respiratory disturbances. The role of direct compression of the esophagus or the pharynx by the ossification is possible but an associated inflammatory reaction cannot be excluded.