The role of 3D-printing technology in the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Eagle syndrome is a rare clinical condition that can be associated with elongation of the styloid process.

PATIENT CONCERN: A 55-year-old man was presented with vague throat discomfort for several years.

DIAGNOSIS: 3-dimentional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction, and printing revealed bilateral elongated styloid processes.

INTERVENTIONS: The patient has been treated medically, and continues to demonstrate improvement with conservative treatment for 2 years.

OUTCOME: We report usefulness of 3D CT and 3D printing technology for diagnosis of Eagle syndrome.

LESSONS: 3D CT reconstruction, and printing are beneficial in determining appropriate surgical strategy, and allowing the physician to better explain the lesion, and surgical details to patients.