Background Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a noninflammatory condition affecting the spine, characterized by ossification of paravertebral ligaments. Our cross-sectional study investigated the frequency, associated morbidity, and healthcare utilization of DISH patients at our university hospital over 1 year. Methods Our university's database of spinal radiographs was searched from 2005 to 2015 for “DISH” or “diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.” The diagnosis of DISH was made by 2 board-certified radiologists (B.B. and C.Q.) based on the radiographs of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Patients from 2015 were further analyzed with regards to demographics, comorbidities, and healthcare interventions. Their spinal radiographs were reread by 2 authors. Patients were divided into those who fulfilled the Resnick criteria for DISH (group A), and those who did not fully meet the criteria but had radiographic features suggestive of DISH (group B). Means and proportions were used to describe variables. For group comparisons, t test and χ2 test were used. Results Between 2005 and 2015, 3439 radiology records mentioned DISH as a diagnosis. Of 195 patients diagnosed with DISH in 2015, 153 were in group A, 41 were in group B, and 2 had erroneous diagnoses. Chronic back pain was common, and more often reported in group B than in group A (81% vs 63%, p = 0.04). Substantial portions of patients required opioid medications for pain control (51%), spinal surgery (31%), and consultations with various specialists for regional pain (57%). Conclusions Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a diagnosis with significant morbidity, despite being commonly viewed as asymptomatic. A majority of DISH patients had chronic back pain, and a large proportion required spinal surgery, although there may be several confounders. Future research is needed to systematically assess healthcare utilization by DISH patients.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare and life-threatening complication of extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) characterized by severe pain, swelling, and cyanosis of the affected limb. It results from total or near-total occlusion of the deep and superficial veins of a limb, leading to venous congestion and ischemia. It is associated with 40% mortality, more commonly affecting the left lower extremity, with up to 50% of patients requiring limb amputations. PCD complicated by compartment syndrome (CS) with shock and multiorgan failure is very rare. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with sudden onset, severe right lower extremity pain and swelling with associated limb discoloration, paresthesias, and inability to move the toes of her right foot. On examination, there was cyanosis, pulselessness, and tense right leg and thigh compartments. Doppler ultrasonography revealed DVT of the right external iliac extending to the posterior tibial vein. A diagnosis of PCD with CS was made and the patient was immediately started on anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin and emergent decompressive fasciotomies of the right leg and thigh were performed. Following the fasciotomies, she developed circulatory shock and went into cardiac arrest. Despite successful resuscitation, her hemodynamic instability and multiorgan failure precluded further life-saving interventions including thrombolysis or thrombectomy. Limb amputation was declined given her poor prognosis and she passed away shortly thereafter. This case illustrates the rare occurrence of right lower extremity PCD complicated by CS, circulatory shock, and multiorgan failure, which can sometimes occur despite emergency fasciotomy but can be averted with prompt intervention. These complications often preclude immediate thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy. Its recognition, therefore, warrants timely and more aggressive interventions to prevent limb loss or death.

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