Cervical Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) as an Underrecognized Cause of Dysphagia: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) represents an uncommon but clinically significant cause of secondary dysphagia. Ιn this paper, we report three elderly male patients presenting with progressive dysphagia secondary to cervical DISH. Diagnostic imaging confirmed prominent anterior cervical osteophytes at C3-C5. All patients underwent successful anterior osteophyte excision with complete symptom resolution. A review of 39 published cases from the last decade highlights diagnostic pitfalls, optimal imaging, and surgical considerations. Cervical DISH should be suspected in elderly patients with unexplained dysphagia, as timely recognition and surgical management can provide excellent outcomes.