Endoscope-assisted Transoral resection of an elongated fractured styloid process in Eagle syndrome: A case report

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare surgical treatment for Eagle syndrome, a condition causing facial and neck pain, using an endoscope-assisted transoral approach.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel endoscope-assisted transoral surgical technique for treating an elongated fractured styloid process in Eagle syndrome.

Findings

The patient experienced significant pain relief after endoscope-assisted transoral resection of the fractured styloid process.

Eagle syndrome was correctly diagnosed after multiple specialist consultations and imaging confirmed the elongated styloid process and calcified ligament.

The case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and specialized management to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Abstract

Eagle's syndrome is a rare condition associated with the elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament; it is clinically characterized by unexplained referred pain that radiates into the mandible, ear, and throat, often misdiagnosed as various cervicocraniofacial disorders.

A 38-year-old male presented with severe, unexplained neuralgic pain that persisted for about two months. The pain worsened with patient neck movements, and some relief was achieved only through lidocaine injections in the tonsillar bed. After multiple consultations with various specialists, investigations focused on a left elongated, non-displaced fracture of the styloid process, accompanied by calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, suggesting Eagle syndrome. The patient's symptoms significantly improved after surgery, with no recurrence of pain during the subsequent follow-up period.

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition that has no clear cause or specific treatment method and includes a group of nonspecific clinical symptoms.

It is important that this condition be diagnosed well and managed professionally, as it includes and encompasses important anatomical structures.

•A thorough overview of Eagle Syndrome has been provided, covering diagnosis, clinical investigation, and treatment approaches.•Treatment options for Eagle Syndrome include both medical conservative and surgical interventions.•Due to the common, non-specific nature of the symptoms, misdiagnosis and delayed management may occur.

A thorough overview of Eagle Syndrome has been provided, covering diagnosis, clinical investigation, and treatment approaches.

Treatment options for Eagle Syndrome include both medical conservative and surgical interventions.

Due to the common, non-specific nature of the symptoms, misdiagnosis and delayed management may occur.

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