Dysphagia caused by diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) of the spine is often a hazardous radiological finding. Dysphagia, caused by ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, may be one of the most important clinical symptoms disturbing the patient. Diagnosis is done by esophagogram, and cervical decompression restores esophageal function. The case of a successfully operated patient is reported and a short overview of the literature is given.