Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis Causing Dysphagia

Abstract

Dysphagia due to ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis is occasionally observed. Osteophyte formation of the anterior cervical spine is a rare cause of dysphagia. Ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis is quite distinct from degenerative joint disease. Aging and decreased elasticity of the intervertebral disks probably cause an increased tension on the periphery of the disks, which in turn leads to osteogenesis. Surgical treatment should be considered only if the mass causes symptoms and after appropriate studies permit one to exclude malignant neoplasm or other soft-tissue lesions as being causes of dysphagia.