A new viewpoint of Eagle syndrome: the effect of SP medial angulation on symptomatology

Abstract

Eagle syndrome is an uncommon condition triggered by head movements caused by a long styloid process (SP) or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, and characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, pain at the root of the tongue, earache, and odynophagia or globus. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of medial angulation of the SP on symptomatology. The study included 49 patients diagnosed with long SP and followed up between January 2018 and January 2020 in the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic of Samsun Training and Research Hospital. The medial angle between the SP and the virtual line drawn vertically from the temporal bone attachment point of the SP was measured and recorded. Evaluation was made of 49 patients, comprising 23 (46%) males and 26 (54%) females in the age range of 19-65 years. The SP length ranged from 25mm to 44mm. The presence of at least one symptom was determined in 24 (48%) patients; in 11 (45%) males, and 13 (55%) females. A significant positive correlation was determined between right medial angulation and symptom severity in patients with globus (p:0.01, r:0.5). It should be kept in mind that, in addition to SP length, SP medial angulation could be an additional factor affecting the formation and severity of symptoms in patients with Eagle syndrome.

Keywords

• Eagle
• styloid process
• angulation
• severity
• globus

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