Stylocarotid Syndrome – A Rarity

The styloid process is a bony projection that originates from the inferior aspect of temporal bone. It is connected to the lesser cornua of the hyoid bone by the stylohyoid ligament. The carotid arteries lie on either side. Elongation of the styloid has been reported in 18 to 40 percent of the population. The mineralisation is usually bilateral, but may be unilateral. Most of the cases are asymptomatic, but a few patients experience symptoms known as Eagle's syndrome, caused by compression of adjacent nerves or blood vessels. Patients presenting with vague head and neck pain can lead to wide ranges of differential diagnoses. Elongation of the styloid process is one of the etiological factors for cervical pain, pharyngodynia, and dysphagia. Symptomatic elongation or mineralisation of the stylohyoid ligament is referred to as Eagle's syndrome. It has symptoms like recurrent throat pain, dysphagia, and otalgia and neck pain. History and physical examination play a vital role in diagnosing this condition, and further radiological investigation confirms the diagnosis. The preferred radiologic modality is 3D computed tomography, which gives length, angulation, type of elongation, and its relation to vital structures. Patients presenting with radiating cervico-fascial pain should be examined for the possibility of Eagle's syndrome as it is considered to be rare. Clinicians should be well aware of this condition. Local injections of corticosteroids provide relief in mild cases, but in severe cases, surgical excision of the styloid process is recommended. This poster describes the clinical approach, imaging investigations, and management of a case of Eagle's syndrome. Keywords: Styloid process, Eagle's syndrome, cervical pain, stylohyoid ligament