Complete ossification of the stylohyoid chain as cause of Eagle's syndrome: a very rare case report

Abstract

AIM: To report on a patient with Eagle's syndrome with a complete and very large ossification of the stylohyoid complex on the right side that to our best knowledge has never been published previously. BACKGROUND: Eagle's syndrome is characterized by a set of symptoms that are caused by the irritation of the neurovascular and soft-tissues caused by an elongated styloid process or ossification of stylohyoid ligament. CASE DESCRIPTION: Because of the high discomfort and pain degree as well as limitations of mandibular and head mobility and also the thickness of the ossifed stylohyoid chain, the patient was treated surgically by removing the hypertrophic segment. CONCLUSION: These symptoms subsided completely after the surgical excision of the anomaly. The elongated styloid process on the left side was symptom free. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Eagle's syndrome symptoms are not specific and can mimic those of other disorders, the syndrome must be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with pain in the orofacial, pharyngeal and cervical area.