Anterior cervical osteophytes causing dysphagia and dyspnoea

Abstract

A 75-year-old man presents to his general practitioner (GP) with dyspnoea, and dysphagia to liquids and solids, with regurgitation causing recurrent episodes of dyspnoea. He had a background of osteoarthritis, was an ex heavy smoker and had undergone coronary artery bypass graft five years previously. After several emergency admissions, initial investigation by the GP, and referral to ear, nose and throat specialists with no cause for dysphagia found, he underwent computed tomography imaging of the neck and thorax which demonstrated large cervical osteophytes at the level of C3–C4. He was referred to spinal orthopaedics and after multidisciplinary team discussion the cervical osteophytes were removed via an anterior approach, resulting in complete resolution of his symptoms.