Unusually elongated styloid process: A report of two cases with literature review

Abstract

Eagle's syndrome is most often associated with an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament, which may result in cervicofacial pain. Since the symptoms are vague and nonspecific, patients with the Eagle's syndrome are difficult to diagnose. We here report two cases of Eagle's syndrome, one case with unusually elongated styloid process of size 6.97 cm, in whom imaging with computed tomography established the diagnosis and managed by local infiltration of lidocaine and steroid; in another case the length of styloid processes were 3.47 cm and 3 cm respectively and was managed surgically.

Elongation or Angulation of Styloid Process: Discussion with a Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Observation is the treatment of choice for asymptomatic cases, but for symptomatic patients, the treatment plan includes both medical and surgical options. 18 In addition to Eagle's syndrome, the calcified stylohyoid ligament and the ESP can be associated with other pathologies such as the carotid artery syndrome, stylohyoid syndrome, and pseudostylohyoid syndrome. [19][20][21] In asymptomatic cases, ESP is usually detected during routine dental radiographic examination using panoramic radiographs.…”