Eagle Syndrome Unmasked by Acute Parotitis

Abstract

Eagle Syndrome is elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament that causes chronic neck and throat pain often precipitated by turning the head and frequently requires surgical treatment. However, Eagle Syndrome can also present acutely due to infections of the head and neck. In these cases, treatment of the infection with antibiotics and steroids can resolve symptoms. We highlight a case in which the patient developed acute parotitis and the cervicofacial soft tissue edema from infection caused the patient to have symptomatic Eagle Syndrome with throat pain and dysphagia due to a previously asymptomatic ossified stylohyoid ligament. Including Eagle Syndrome as part of the differential resulted in a non-surgical treatment plan with full remission of the patient’s symptoms.