The Integrated Management of Cervical hyperostosis in Patients with Dyspnea and Dysphagia to Reduce Risk of Airway Compromise: A Case Series

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory condition diagnosed by the presence of flowing vertebral ossifications along the anterior longitudinal ligament. Limited literature on cervical spine DISH, or cervical hyperostosis (CH), demonstrates that this sub-type of DISH may present with severe oropharyngeal symptoms. Two common manifestations of CH are dysphagia and dyspnea. The purpose of this case series was to provide more insight into detection and management of CH to potentially reduce the risk of impending airway compromise.