Foix–Alajouanine syndrome: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Foix–Alajouanine syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:T2_weighted_spinal_MRI_showing_AV_malformation.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = T2 weighted spinal MRI showing AV malformation | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Paraplegia]], [[sensory loss]], [[urinary incontinence]] | |||
| complications = [[Spinal cord infarction]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Dural arteriovenous fistula]] | |||
| risks = [[Congenital]] factors, [[trauma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[spinal angiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Multiple sclerosis]], [[spinal cord tumor]] | |||
| treatment = [[Endovascular embolization]], [[surgical resection]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on extent of spinal cord damage | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Foix–Alajouanine syndrome''' is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a progressive myelopathy due to a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). This condition is named after the French neurologists [[Charles Foix]] and [[Théophile Alajouanine]], who first described it in the 1920s. | |||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is caused by an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the dura mater of the spinal cord. This arteriovenous malformation (AVM) leads to venous hypertension, which in turn causes congestion and hypoxia of the spinal cord. The resulting ischemia can lead to progressive neurological deficits. | Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is caused by an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the dura mater of the spinal cord. This arteriovenous malformation (AVM) leads to venous hypertension, which in turn causes congestion and hypoxia of the spinal cord. The resulting ischemia can lead to progressive neurological deficits. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Patients with Foix–Alajouanine syndrome typically present with a combination of motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Common symptoms include: | Patients with Foix–Alajouanine syndrome typically present with a combination of motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Common symptoms include: | ||
| Line 10: | Line 26: | ||
* Bladder and bowel dysfunction | * Bladder and bowel dysfunction | ||
* Pain in the back or legs | * Pain in the back or legs | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is often challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Diagnostic tools include: | The diagnosis of Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is often challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Diagnostic tools include: | ||
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) of the spine, which may show spinal cord edema and flow voids indicative of an AVM | * [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) of the spine, which may show spinal cord edema and flow voids indicative of an AVM | ||
* [[Spinal angiography]], which is the gold standard for identifying and localizing the SDAVF | * [[Spinal angiography]], which is the gold standard for identifying and localizing the SDAVF | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The primary treatment for Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is the surgical obliteration of the arteriovenous fistula. Endovascular techniques, such as embolization, may also be used in some cases. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible spinal cord damage. | The primary treatment for Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is the surgical obliteration of the arteriovenous fistula. Endovascular techniques, such as embolization, may also be used in some cases. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible spinal cord damage. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for patients with Foix–Alajouanine syndrome varies depending on the timing of diagnosis and treatment. Early surgical intervention can lead to significant improvement in symptoms and prevent further neurological decline. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment may result in permanent neurological deficits. | The prognosis for patients with Foix–Alajouanine syndrome varies depending on the timing of diagnosis and treatment. Early surgical intervention can lead to significant improvement in symptoms and prevent further neurological decline. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment may result in permanent neurological deficits. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Arteriovenous malformation]] | * [[Arteriovenous malformation]] | ||
* [[Spinal cord]] | * [[Spinal cord]] | ||
| Line 29: | Line 41: | ||
* [[Spinal angiography]] | * [[Spinal angiography]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Vascular diseases]] | [[Category:Vascular diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
{{Neurology-stub}} | {{Neurology-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:33, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Foix–Alajouanine syndrome | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Paraplegia, sensory loss, urinary incontinence |
| Complications | Spinal cord infarction |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Dural arteriovenous fistula |
| Risks | Congenital factors, trauma |
| Diagnosis | MRI, spinal angiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord tumor |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Endovascular embolization, surgical resection |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on extent of spinal cord damage |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a progressive myelopathy due to a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). This condition is named after the French neurologists Charles Foix and Théophile Alajouanine, who first described it in the 1920s.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is caused by an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the dura mater of the spinal cord. This arteriovenous malformation (AVM) leads to venous hypertension, which in turn causes congestion and hypoxia of the spinal cord. The resulting ischemia can lead to progressive neurological deficits.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with Foix–Alajouanine syndrome typically present with a combination of motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Common symptoms include:
- Progressive weakness, often starting in the lower extremities
- Sensory disturbances, such as numbness or tingling
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Pain in the back or legs
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is often challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Diagnostic tools include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine, which may show spinal cord edema and flow voids indicative of an AVM
- Spinal angiography, which is the gold standard for identifying and localizing the SDAVF
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for Foix–Alajouanine syndrome is the surgical obliteration of the arteriovenous fistula. Endovascular techniques, such as embolization, may also be used in some cases. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible spinal cord damage.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for patients with Foix–Alajouanine syndrome varies depending on the timing of diagnosis and treatment. Early surgical intervention can lead to significant improvement in symptoms and prevent further neurological decline. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment may result in permanent neurological deficits.
See also[edit]
