PMC3785345_01
Towne radiograph shows bilateral elongated styloid processes (right: 44 mm, left: 44 mm).
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The lengths of styloid processes were elongated (right: 44 mm, left: 44 mm) in the Towne radiographs (Fig. 1a). C6 and C7 vertebrae indenting the esophagus posteriorly and displacing it anteriorly (Fig. 1b). Cervical MRI demonstrated focal cervical spurs at the ventral portion of the C5-7 vertebral bodies, protruding ventrally and compressing mildly to the esophagus (Fig. 1c).
PMC3785345_02
Videoflouroscophic examination confirms posterior extrensic compression of the barium column by osteophytes at the level of C6-7 and proximal dilatation of the esophagus.
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The length of styloid process was measured in the upper limits at the right side (25 mm) while it was elongated at the left side (34 mm) (Fig. 2a). C4-5 vertebrae, which were so close to the inlet of esophagus, and obstructing the esophagus passage by external compression. Cervical MRI demonstrated giant cervical spurs at the ventral portion of the C4-C7 vertebral bodies, protruding ventrally and compressing to the esophagus (Fig. 2c).
PMC3785345_03
Sagittal T2-w MRI showing compression on the esophagus caused by anterior osteophytes.
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Similar to the second case, the length of styloid process was in the upper limits at the right side (25 mm) while it was found elongated at the left side (35 mm) (Fig. 3a). C3-4 and C4-5 (Fig. 3b). Cervical MRI showed excessive anterior osteophyte formations in multiple levels and compression of esophagus due to ossificated anterior longitudinal ligament (Fig. 3c).
PMC3785345_04
The length of styloid process was measured in the upper limits at the right side (25 mm) while it was elongated at the left side (34 mm).
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The length of styloid process were elongated on both sides (right: 29 mm, left: 30 mm) (Fig. 4a). C5-6 and C6-7 (Fig. 4b). Cervical MRI showed anterior osteophyte formations at the same levels which compressed the esophagus (Fig. 4c).