A Forgotten reason of dysphagia “Forestier syndrome”

Abstract

Forestier syndrome or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse formation of osteophytes on the spine that increase with age and occur as a result of enchondral ossification of paravertebral ligaments and muscles. The exact etiology of disease is not known. It is more common in males and usually it occurs over sixty-five years of age. Stiffness, limitation of movement, and spinal pain is seen frequently in patients. Foreign body sensation in the throat, odynophagia, disphagia, hoarseness, stridor, obstructive sleep apnea, and otalgia can be found according to location and size of the pathology. Exact diagnosis can be reached with radiological imaging methods. In early stage and symptomatic cases, physiotherapy, training, and medical treatment may be sufficient. In patients with advanced disease who do not benefit from these treatments, surgery can be performed.