Vocal cord immobilisation in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Abstract

Advanced forms of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis or Forestier's disease can induce dysphagia and significant respiratory symptoms such as hoarseness, dyspnea, snoring and laryngeal stridor. Severe respiratory distress is very rare. Two identical cases of chronic respiratory distress due to bilateral vocal cord adduction-fixation in conjunction with skeletal pathology in the cervical area are presented. The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic work-up and the prognostic outcome of the laryngeal pathology are discussed.