Eagle's syndrome: a case report and CT pictorial review

Abstract

Eagle's syndrome (ES) refers to symptomatic elongation of the ossified styloid process. A styloid process greater than 2.5 cm in length should be considered abnormal; however, an elongated styloid process is not sufficient for a diagnosis of ES; only an abnormal styloid process in association with symptoms can confirm the syndrome. In this case report, we discuss a 54-year-old man who has come to our attention with various symptoms: dysphagia to both solids and liquids, difficulty swallowing, neck pain, and a foreign body sensation during bilateral neck rotation and mouth opening. The diagnosis is performed radiologically because conventional radiographs have many potential disadvantages, whereas, computed tomography (CT) scans and reconstructions allow the length and angulation of the styloid process to be measured and the relationship between the elongated styloid processes and adjacent anatomical structures to be evaluated. Moreover, CT allows for differential diagnosis and provides detailed information needed for surgical planning.

Eagle syndrome as a rare cause of recurrent transient ischemic stroke in Senegal (West Africa)

“…[1][2][3] The elongated styloid process may cause compression of adjacent structures with various symptoms. 1,7,8 The incidence of Eagle syndrome varies between 4 and 28 %. [5][6][7]9 In 93% of cases, the elongated styloid process is bilateral but rarely symptomatic.…”

“…1,7,8 The incidence of Eagle syndrome varies between 4 and 28 %. [5][6][7]9 In 93% of cases, the elongated styloid process is bilateral but rarely symptomatic. 2,4,6 Clinical presentation is subdivided into two major syndromic entities: The classic syndrome can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, and the symptoms may include neck pain, ear pain, dysphagia and dysphonia, tinnitus, odynophagia, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and dizziness.…”

“…All of these symptoms which can occur together or separately, at varying frequencies, are attributed to cranial nerves irritation V, VII, IX, or X; all very close to the styloid process. 1,5,6,7 Stylocarotid syndrome in which the elongated styloid process is in contact with the internal carotid artery causing compression or carotid artery dissection with secondary occurrence of ischemic strokes. 2,5,8 Eagle syndrome diagnosis is made by imaging.…”

Evaluation of Stylohyoid Complex Patterns on Digital Panoramic Radiographs in the Local Population in Ilam, Iran

“…Stylohyoid ligament ossification is commonly found on panoramic radiographs, and the stylohyoid ligament may be somewhat calcified in different people of all ages (10).…”

Styloid process elongation in a sample of Lebanese population: a consideration for the prevention of Eagle syndrome

“…Such techniques include panoramic radiograph, lateral skull view radiograph, and non-angled (PA view) and angled (Towne’s view) posteroanterior skull radiographs. Furthermore, three-dimensional imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scan and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allow for complete detailed visualization (length, angulation and relation to contiguous structures) [ 26 , 27 ]. However, since panoramic radiography is a frequently-used imaging modality in dental offices, dental professionals are able to incidentally detect elongated when examining patients’ panoramic radiographs.…”