When yawning makes sick - the Eagle syndrome, a rare cause of persistent dysphagia

Introduction The Eagle syndrome is a rare condition characterized by pathological elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. About 4% of the overall population are affected, mostly women in their thirties with a 3:1 ratio between women and men [1, 2]. Due to interference with neighboring structures, the symptoms are often unspecific, ranging from dysphagia over sore throat to vertigo.

Case report We present the case of a 34-year-old woman with a history of dysphagia and sharp pain of the left cervical region for 3 months, first occurring after yawning. Dental examination suggested a left costomandibular dysfunction. CT scans of head and neck showed left sided calcified stylohyoid ligament, measuring 7 cm and reaching from hyoid bone to the styloid process. There was also a left lateral dehiscence of the hyoid bone. Physical ENT examinations only revealed a sharply palpable structure in Level II (Robbins) cervical left. Pain and dysphagia were persistent during extensive analgetic treatment. Therefore, transcervical excision of the calcified stylohyoid ligament and lateral part of hyoid bone were performed under general anesthesia. After surgery, the patient immediately reported a significant decrease of pain and dysphagia.

Conclusion The Eagle syndrome is a very rare condition. If diagnosed clinically and radiologically with differential diagnoses excluded, a surgical approach represents a sufficient therapy to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022