Thoracic spinal cord compression caused by diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is now recognized with increasing frequency in the elderly population. Whilst usually a relatively asymptomatic process, serious neurological sequelae have been reported. A previously unreported complication, severe focal thoracic canal stenosis, is presented. Attention is drawn to the need for full assessment of the whole spine by CT myelography in patients presenting with evidence of myelopathy.