Eagle's syndrome: A case report on rare sequela following head and neck radiotherapy

Abstract

Eagle’s syndrome is a rare clinical condition characterized by either elongated styloid process (greater than 2.5 cm) or a calcified stylohyoid ligament. The diagnosis is confirmed when an abnormal styloid process is associated with symptoms which usually result from irritation of cranial nerves. We present the case of a 45 year male diagnosed with carcinoma base of tongue with stage T4N1M0 treated with concurrent chemoradiation in our institute. He presented with elongated styloid process post treatment completion. Radiation therapy to the head and neck has been found to cause potential long-term side effects like trismus, osteoradionecrosis, secondary cancer, and tissue fibrosis. Ionizing radiation activates the proinflammatory cascade ultimately leading to fibrosis and calcification. We suggest that Eagle’s syndrome should be considered as one the differential diagnosis of neck pain or facial pain developing after radiotherapy. The treatment modalities considered for this rare entity are conservative management of the symptoms and surgery in cases where conservative treatment fails.