2 6 9 16 18 Pain management is critical for some patients who have both Eagle syndrome and other associated findings therefore, the proper diagnosis is important.
However, because panoramic imaging does not always reliably capture the area of the styloid process, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be utilized to visualize the styloid anatomy. 15 17 To confirm the physical examination findings, a panoramic radiograph can be used to identify the elongated styloid process. 3 Although uncommon, the timely and proper diagnosis of Eagle syndrome is imperative in all medical fields. 3 8 16 Simply identifying a calcified stylohyoid ligament or an elongated styloid process radiographically does not warrant the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome. 1 15 The presence of symptoms is essential for Eagle syndrome to be diagnosed, and clearly marks the distinction from a patient with an asymptomatic elongated styloid process. 8 13 Eagle syndrome has a 3:1 female-to-male predilection, and affected patients most commonly present with an elongated styloid process between the ages of 30 and 50. 3 Eagle syndrome is characterized by facial pain arising from the compression of adjacent anatomical structures due to an elongated styloid process or a calcified stylohyoid ligament. 3 6 10 11 12 13 14 However, the broad range of symptoms presents a diagnostic challenge. 1 3 5 8 The most common symptoms include throat pain, dysphagia, foreign body sensation, facial pain, tinnitus, otalgia, and limitation of mandibular movements. Keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Neck PainĪmong patients with elongated styloid processes, 4%–10% are estimated to have a symptomatic elongated styloid process, known as Eagle syndrome. This case report demonstrates the utilization of CBCT in differentiating a fracture site from a pseudo-joint that might mimic a fracture. The patient was then referred for appropriate care. A careful history, physical examination, and a conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) investigation led to the diagnosis. In this report, we describe a patient who presented to our department with styloid process elongation and fracture. Abnormal styloid anatomy can lead to a multitude of symptoms, including chronic orofacial/neck pain, thus masquerading as more commonly diagnosed conditions.
Because elongated styloid processes–with or without associated Eagle syndrome–can present with various symptoms and radiographic findings, it can be challenging for healthcare practitioners to formulate an accurate diagnosis. Historically, Eagle syndrome is a term that has been used to describe radiating pain in the orofacial region, foreign body sensation, and/or dysphagia due to a unilateral or bilateral elongated styloid process impinging upon the tonsillar region.
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