To explore the relationship between chronic growth hormone (GH) use and the formation of anterior cervical osteophytes leading to dysphagia, particularly in the context of previous cervical trauma.
Approach:
Case Description: A 62-year-old male with a history of cervical injury and long-term self-reported GH use presented with cervicalgia and dysphagia. Imaging revealed multilevel degenerative changes and a prominent anterior osteophyte at C3-C4 compressing the esophagus.
Key Findings:
The patient reported intermittent dysphagia with larger food boluses.
Imaging showed a prominent anterior osteophyte at C3-C4 causing esophageal compression.
The patient's GH use history was self-reported and not independently verified through medical records.
Interpretation:
Chronic GH axis stimulation may be associated with osteophyte formation, particularly in the context of previous cervical trauma.
Limitations:
The patient's GH use was not verified through medical records.
No objective swallowing evaluation was performed due to the mild nature of symptoms.
The neurologic examination lacked comprehensive myelopathy assessment.
Conclusion:
The case suggests a potential link between GH use and symptomatic osteophyte formation.
