Foix-Chavany-Marie Syndrome as a Manifestation of Unilateral Opercular Stroke

• Published in: European journal of case reports in internal medicine Vol. 8; no. 4; p. 002462
• Main Authors: Toledo-Trevino, Roberto, Manrique-Otero, Diana, Castellanos-Pedroza, Enrique, Cano-Nigenda, Vanessa, Alvarado-Bolaños, Alonso, Calleja-Castillo, Juan, Arauz, Antonio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy SMC Media Srl 2021; SMC MEDIA SRL
• Subjects: foix-chavany-marie; opercular stroke; opercular syndrome; pseudobulbar palsy; pseudobulbar palsy; Foix-Chavany-Marie; opercular stroke; opercular syndrome
• ISSN: 2284-2594; 2284-2594
• DOI: 10.12890/2021_002462

Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) is a type of pseudobulbar palsy that affects facio-pharyngo-glosso-masticatory muscles.
A 62-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department after 9 hours of acute dysarthria and dysphagia. MRI showed restricted diffusion in the right operculum on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). No thrombolytic therapy was given. The patient had a history of mechanical aortic valve replacement under anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist. Work-up demonstrated suboptimal levels of INR. Due to severe dysphagia during hospitalization, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed.
The patient was discharged 5 days later, with a modified Rankin scale (mRs) score of 3, and secondary stroke prevention. He had achieved an excellent functional outcome (mRs 1) at 6-month follow-up.
Our patient had a satisfactory recovery due to prompt diagnosis, secondary stroke prevention, and compliance with treatment.
In the presence of acute dysarthria and dysphagia, Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) should be considered.FCMS may occur in the presence of unilateral opercular stroke.Swallowing and speech therapy play an essential role in rehabilitation after the acute setting.