Traumatic Events and Eagle Syndrome: Is There Any Correlation? A Systematic Review

Vincenzo Quinzi,Giuseppe Marzo,Licia Coceani Paskay,Sabina Saccomanno,Nicola D’Andrea,Arianna Albani

doi:10.3390/healthcare9070825

Abstract

Background: Eagle syndrome occurs when elongated styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament interfere with the surrounding anatomical structures giving rise to various symptoms. Watt W. Eagle identified two types: stylo-hyoid classic syndrome and stylo-carotid artery syndrome. The aim of this systematic review of the literature is to evaluate correlations between Eagle syndrome and traumatic events or teeth extractions. Methods: out of 294 articles, the final study allowed the identification of 13 studies focusing on traumatic events. Out of 342 articles, the final study allowed the analysis of two studies regarding extractive dental events. Results: 13 articles showed correlations between the onset of symptoms in Eagle syndrome and traumatic events and highlighted two possibilities: traumatic event could fracture the already elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament; trauma itself triggers the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to lengthening of styloid process or calcification of stylohyoid ligament and therefore the typical symptoms. The only two case reports concerning Eagle syndrome symptoms after extractive dental events describe the onset of classic type. Conclusions: The analyzed articles confirm correlation between traumatic event and onset of typical symptoms of Eagle syndrome. There is not enough literature linking extractive dental events to Eagle syndrome. Trial registration: CRD42020185176.

Highlights

Oro-facial pain is among the most common manifestations of pain reported by patients
In this systematic review of the literature, we have collected data on the correlation of Eagle’s syndrome, in both its forms, with traumatic events and extractive dental events and we have focused on the methods used to formulate the diagnosis and the subsequent chosen treatment
The dentist can assess the presence of altered anatomical structures such as the elongated styloid process and the calcified styloioid ligament by means of panoramic radiograph or computed tomography scans of the head and neck

Summary

Introduction

Oro-facial pain is among the most common manifestations of pain reported by patients. Eagle syndrome (ES) refers to a rare constellation of symptoms caused by an abnormally long styloid process or stylohyoid chain ossification, which is characterized by craniofacial or cervical pain. It was first described by an Italian surgeon, Pietro Marchetti, in 1652; the clinical syndrome was definitively outlined by Watt Weems Eagle in 1937 [2]. Eagle syndrome occurs when elongated styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament interfere with the surrounding anatomical structures giving rise to various symptoms. The only two case reports concerning Eagle syndrome symptoms after extractive dental events describe the onset of classic type.

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion