Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Background Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is a degenerative disease of the spine which has been estimated to affect anywhere from 8–37% of the population. In addition, previous literature has shown an association between DISH and serious disability including dysphagia. Previous research detailing prevalence and risk factors for DISH, however, have been limited by studying homogenous populations. Methods Patients who received CT scans of the spine during hospital admission were included. Demographic data including age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking history, alcohol use, and comorbidities were collected via chart review. DISH was defined as the presence of flowing ossifications along ≧ 4 contiguous vertebral bodies on CT. The location, number of levels, and side of ossification were also collected. Results were analyzed using t-test and chi-square analyses. Significance was set to p < 0.05 Results 1097 patients with CT scans were identified, revealing a DISH prevalence of 20.3%. Patients with DISH were significantly older than those without DISH and had significantly higher CCI scores when compared to the non-DISH cohort. Significant differences were also observed between ethnic groups. Men were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of DISH when compared to women. Finally, those with DM, PVD, Dementia, COPD, and CHF were noted to have higher prevalence of DISH when compared to those without DISH.