Anterior cervical osteophytic “giant beak-like lesion” causing dysphagia

Abstract

Large anterior cervical osteophytes can occur during degenerative cervical disease, a condition called Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), which can cause mechanical compression of the pharyngoesophageal area causing dysphagia. Both conditions are very rare. Here we present the case of an 81-year-old male who presented with progressive dysphagia due to a giant beak-like osteophytic lesion anterior to the C3 and C4 vertebral spine causing compression of the pharyngoesophageal segment. The patient declined treatment by anterior cervical osteophytectomy and accepted the possible complications such as progressive dysphagia.