Elongated styloid process: An incidental autopsy finding of clinical and medico-legal significance

Abstract

Elongated styloid process or calcified stylo-hyoid ligament can exert pressure on vital structures of the neck and cause symptoms of Eagle syndrome. Although it is uncommon, both can cause death by compression of neurovascular structures. We report the case of an incidental finding of an elongated styloid process at autopsy, along with its clinical and medicolegal significance. The article attempts to review the literature in this regard and on variants of styloid process.

Keywords: Calcified stylo-hyoid ligament; Eagle syndrome; Elongated styloid process; Sudden death; medico-legal.