Case Report (Online Only)

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia secondary to diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Corresponding Author

Jordan J. Allensworth MD

[email protected]

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon

Corresponding author: J. Allensworth, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Blvd, PV01, Portland, OR 97239. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Karla D. O'Dell MD,

Karla D. O'Dell MD

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

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Joshua S. Schindler MD,

Joshua S. Schindler MD

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon

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Jordan J. Allensworth MD,

Corresponding Author

Jordan J. Allensworth MD

[email protected]

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon

Karla D. O'Dell MD,

Karla D. O'Dell MD

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

Search for more papers by this author

Joshua S. Schindler MD,

Joshua S. Schindler MD

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon

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First published: 24 August 2016

https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.24569

Citations: 12

This work was presented at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting (COSM), Boston, MA, April 2–26, 2015.

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Abstract

Background

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is an idiopathic spinal disease common in the elderly and characterized by flowing ossification and osteophyte formation along the spinal column. Cervical hyperostosis is capable of producing dysphagia, stridor, and airway obstruction; however, there are no extant reports of true paralysis of bilateral vocal folds in patients fulfilling the criteria for DISH.

Methods and Results

We report a case of a 61-year-old man presenting with dysphagia and dyspnea. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed bilateral true vocal fold paralysis. Cervical radiograph showed flowing ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament with preservation of intervertebral disc height. Tracheotomy and cervical osteophytectomy were performed, after which the patient showed improved swallowing and speaking ability and was decannulated without complication.

Conclusion

In the case presented, cervical osteophytectomy dramatically reversed bilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia secondary to hyperostosis, thus negating the need for prolonged tracheostomy and feeding tube dependence. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: E1–E3, 2017

REFERENCES

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Volume39, Issue1

January 2017

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Bilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia secondary to diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Abstract

Background

Methods and Results

Conclusion

REFERENCES

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References

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Bilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia secondary to diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Abstract

Background

Methods and Results

Conclusion

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

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