Eagle's syndrome: a piercing matter

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Nov 28;11(1):e226611. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226611.

Abstract

We present an unusual case of Eagle's syndrome with bilateral internal carotid artery dissection in a 45-year-old man. Initial symptomatology included ipsilateral headaches and facial sensory symptoms. A right horner's syndrome was present on clinical examination. Radiological imaging revealed an old infarct, with bilateral carotid dissections and bilateral elongated styloid processes consistent with Eagle's syndrome. Despite initiation of secondary prevention with antiplatelet therapy, he had two further ischaemic events. The case highlights the symptomatology and complications of Eagle's syndrome, with its management discussed through a review of similar case reports.

Keywords: neuroimaging; neurology; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection / complications*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection / pathology
  • Facial Pain / diagnosis
  • Facial Pain / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / drug therapy
  • Ischemia / prevention & control*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / pathology
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Temporal Bone / abnormalities*
  • Temporal Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Temporal Bone / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors

Supplementary concepts

  • Eagle syndrome