Dysphagia Secondary to Cervical Hyperostosis in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Case Report

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.