Oropharyngeal Dysphagia & Aspiration in a 63-Year-Old Man- A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Dysphagia due to nonmalignant causes is not an uncommon occurrence in patients over the age of 60. Males are more affected than the females. It can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality especially as it increases the risk for malnutrition, and pneumonias due to aspiration etc. Case Presentation: We present this rare case of worsening dysphagia and episodes of choking in a 63year old male due to large anterior cervical osteophytes. X-ray and flexible laryngoscopy revealed a large bulge over the posterior pharyngeal wall in the midline. Conclusion: Dysphagia in the elderly can lead to increased morbidity and life-threatening complications. Anterior osteophytes are found in nearly 20% to30% of the elderly population but rarely cause dysphagia. However, in some cases especially when associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH/ Forestier’s disease) and ankylosing spondylitis these can cause severe dysphagia. In many cases of symptomatic anterior osteophytes surgery is considered an ultimate measure to relieve symptoms, decrease mortality, and improve the quality of life. We did a thorough literature search to know the prevalence and management of dysphagia due to anterior osteophytes.