Foix-Alajouanine Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Myelopathy From an Anatomic Variant Circulation

Abstract

Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a rare cause of myelopathy caused by dural arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord, mostly lower thoracic and lumbar. Patients are usually over 50 years of age and can present with acute lower extremity dysesthesias or intermittent sciatica. Progression to paraplegia may be slow. Spinal angiography is needed for definitive diagnosis, based on the clues provided by the symptoms. If diagnosed early, vascular embolization or neurosurgical excision may be curative.