A case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (dish) with an extremely rare complication

H Kocyigit, N Erdogan, E Uluc, N Hizli, I Ozdemir, O PolatPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation Radiology Rheumatology Otorhinolaryngology, Izmir Ataturk Training Hospital, Izmir, TurkeyBackground Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a disorder characterised by new bone growth at entheses. In the literature, it has been reported that the anterior bony excrescences in the cervical region due to thickening and ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament may be up to maximum 12 mm thick. Advanced forms of cervical DISH may give rise to dysphagia, cervical myelopathy, and very rarely dyspnea. We present a 70-year-old man with advanced DISH whose only complaint was severe dyspnea. Cervical computed tomography revealed the large excrescences reaching to 15 mm in thickness. Surgical excision of his anterior cervical osteophytes resulted in relief of his symptoms. Objectives Methods Results Conclusion Citation: Ann Rheum Dis, volume 60, supplement 1, year 2001, page A158Session: Osteoarthritis – Clinical aspects and treatment