Osteophyte arising from the cricoid cartilage causing dysphagia

Abstract

Although cervical degenerative changes is a common disorder, dysphagia induced by osteophyte formation is uncommon. We present a case of 54-year-old patient suffering dysphagia secondary to cricoidal osteophyte. Phsical examination showed no abnormality. A barium esophagography revealed anterior compression of the esophagus at the level of cricoid cartilage. A computed tomography (CT) showed a small spur originating from the cricoid. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the osteophyte-induced edema and allowed the differential diagnosis with the other causes of dysphagia. In this report, radiological features of cricoidal osteophyte is presented.