Multifactorial dysphagia: diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Abstract

Swallowing is a complex, multistage event with oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases. A thorough clinical examination for swallowing complaints begins to differentiate whether the problem is due to anatomic, mechanical, or neurologic etiologies. Based on the clinical suspicion, additional tests may be beneficial, including fluoroscopic and direct imaging methods, and electrophysiologic measurements. A multidisciplinary approach may also be advantageous, as in this case of dysphagia from diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and eosinophilic esophagitis, which incorporated care from otolaryngology, speech pathology, orthopedic surgery, and gastroenterology.