Bilateral elongated styloid process (Eagle’s syndrome) - a case report and short review

Abstract

Eagle’s syndrome refers to unilateral or bilateral elongation of the styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, along with other symptoms, such as dysphagia, otalgia, tinnitus, and globus pharyngeus. A styloid process is considered elongated or abnormal when it exceeds a normal length of 25-27 mm. However, elongation of the ossified styloid ligament is insufficient for diagnosing Eagle’s syndrome. Instead, a constellation of symptoms in history, as mentioned above, and physical and radiographic examinations contribute to diagnosis. This disorder has long been a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Hence, it is essential for dentists to have a superior knowledge of this relatively rare entity and its anatomic base. This report presents a case of classical Eagle’s syndrome in a 47-year-old woman with symptomatic bilateral elongation of the styloid process. The lengths of the right and left styloid processes were 60.5 mm and 70.74 mm, respectively, which is one of the longest ever reported.

Keywords

• Eagle’s syndrome
• facial pain
• globus sensation
• earache
• case reports