Diffuse Idiopathic Hyperostosis Manifesting as Dysphagia and Bilateral Cord Paralysis: A Case Report and Literature Review

A thorough literature review didn't yield any article reporting on bilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by DISH. Management of this condition is typically multidisciplinary, and treatment of cervical osteophyte-associated dysphagia or respiratory compromise is primarily medical, after performing necessary tests to rule out other causes of dysphagia. Surgical intervention is warranted when medical treatment fails, when there is weight loss, a significant airway compromise or sleeping alterations. A treatment algorithm is proposed in the end of this review for symptomatic anterior osteophytes caused by DISH in the mobile cervical spine.