Dysphagia revealing diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) also known as Forestier's disease, is a musculo-squelettic disorder characterized by the calcification of ligaments essentially the vertebral longitudinal anterior ligament. Men are generally affected. It is often asymptomatic. The most common extra-spinal clinical manifestation of this disease presents as dysphagia followed by respiratory disturbances such as dyspnea and sleep apnea. In this paper we discuss two cases where the patients have experienced progressive dysphagia. Radiological findings were compatible with DISH. The management was based on diet modification and anti-inflammatory medication.

Keywords

• musculoskeletal disorder
• ligaments
• calcification
• dysphagia