DOI: 10.12890/2025_006048

Acute laryngeal dyspnoea revealing anterior cervical hyperostosis (Forestier’s disease)

Authors

  • Abrar-Ahmad Zulfiqar Service de Gériatrie Aigüe, Hôpital de Fécamp, Fécamp, France
  • Rezika Bellazouz Service de Gériatrie Aigüe, Hôpital de Fécamp, Fécamp, France
  • Minh Tuan Huynh Service de Gériatrie Aigüe, Hôpital de Fécamp, Fécamp, France

abzulfiqar@gmail.com

Keywords

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, airway obstruction, laryngeal nerve paralysis, dyspnoea, cervical vertebrae

Abstract

Forestier’s disease, or diffuse idiopathic spinal hyperostosis, can exceptionally lead to acute obstruction of the upper airways when the hyperostosis is located in the cervical region. We report the case of an 87-year-old man admitted for acute inspiratory dyspnoea and progressive dysphonia. Endoscopic examination confirmed left laryngeal paralysis and pharyngolaryngeal oedema. Imaging revealed a large anterior hyperostosis compressing the airway. This case illustrates the interaction between mechanical compression, local inflammation, and chronic laryngeal paralysis, which can lead to severe dyspnoea. Early recognition and appropriate imaging allow for rapid and effective management.

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References

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Published

2025-12-22

How to Cite

1.
Zulfiqar A-A, Bellazouz R, Huynh MT. Acute laryngeal dyspnoea revealing anterior cervical hyperostosis (Forestier’s disease). EJCRIM [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 22 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];13(1). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/6048

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