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

Roberto Toledo-Trevino; Diana Manrique-Otero; Enrique Castellanos-Pedroza; Vanessa Cano-Nigenda; Alonso Alvarado-Bolaños; Juan Calleja-Castillo; Antonio Arauz

doi:10.12890/2021_002462

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

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2021 Apr 6;8(4):002462. doi: 10.12890/2021_002462. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Roberto Toledo-Trevino¹, Diana Manrique-Otero¹, Enrique Castellanos-Pedroza¹, Vanessa Cano-Nigenda¹, Alonso Alvarado-Bolaños¹, Juan Calleja-Castillo², Antonio Arauz¹

Affiliations

¹ Stroke Clinic, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico.
² Emergency Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico.

Abstract

Introduction: Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) is a type of pseudobulbar palsy that affects facio-pharyngo-glosso-masticatory muscles.

Materials and methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: Our patient had a satisfactory recovery due to prompt diagnosis, secondary stroke prevention, and compliance with treatment.

Learning points: 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.

Keywords: Foix-Chavany-Marie; opercular stroke; opercular syndrome; pseudobulbar palsy.