Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis ( DISH ): Increased prevalence in Pacific Islanders

INTRODUCTION: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a musculoskeletal disorder in which ligaments and entheses slowly become ossified, leading to decreased mobility and pain. The prevalence is variably reported as between 3% and 25% of the population over 50. In Australasia, the prevalence and severity of DISH has long been thought by radiologists to be high in certain populations, particularly among Pacific Islanders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and severity of DISH in a Pacific Islander community. METHODS: Chest radiographs in 459 individuals were retrospectively reviewed to assess for the presence of features consistent with DISH, as per the Resnick Criteria. Each radiograph was also assessed for the number of vertebral bodies involved. The clinical records of these patients were accessed to obtain the patient's ethnicity. RESULTS: The prevalence of DISH in our group overall was 138/459 (30%) with a prevalence of 42/96 (44%) in the Pacific Islanders. The difference compared to the Europeans in the group is highly significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study verifies the high prevalence of DISH in Pacific Islanders.