Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and spondylosis deformans as predictors of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

The associations between DISH (diffuse skeletal Hyperostosis) and spondylosis deformans on the one hand and cardiovascular disease and cancer on the other were studied in a follow-up investigation of 6 167 persons in Finland. Mean duration of follow-up investigation of 6 167 persons in Finland. Mean duration of follow-up was 6.3 years. Similar methods were employed in the baseline and follow-up examination. A finding of DISH or of spondylosis was based on a reading of lateral X-ray films. Age-adjusted incidence of hypertension, ECG findings suggesting coronary heart disease (CHD), CHD history, enlargement of the heart determined by interpretation of photofluorograms, digitalis medication, cerebrovascular incidents and a history of cancer were compared in persons with and without DISH/spondylosis and free of these conditions at baseline. A further analysis, in which the data were analysed separately for DISH and spondylosis present at baseline and cases which developed during follow-up, was also carried out. A slight association between DISH and spondylosis, and hypertension probably due to obesity was observed. According to several criteria degenerative heart disease (CHD, heart enlargement, digitalis use) was associated with DISH and spondylosis, particularly in men. An association with heart enlargement was observed with DISH but not with spondylosis. No associations with cerebrovascular accidents or cancer were observed, but the paucity of cases prevents definite conclusions. Thus, there were some difference between spondylosis and DISH with regard to risk of future cardiovascular disease.