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

Abstract

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.