HIV associated Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome

Abstract

Foix Chavany Marie Syndrome also known as Opercular syndrome is characterised by loss of voluntary control of facial, pharyngeal, lingual & masticatory muscles with preserved reflexive and automatic emotional functions. It commonly presents as biopercular syndrome although unilateral cases are rarely reported. Its association with HIV is rare and we present a 34 year old HIV affected woman who presented with acute onset of dysarthria and dysphagia. MR Imaging of the brain revealed the characteristic high signal intensities in the left opercular area near the insula. Clinical improvement was documented following antiplatelet therapy.