Foix–Chavany–Marie Syndrome Caused by Unilateral Opercular Infarction: Clinicoradiological Correlatio

Abstract

Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by loss of voluntary facial, lingual, pharyngeal, and masticatory movements with preservation of spontaneous and emotional movements. We report a 52-year-old woman who presented with sudden anarthria and dysphagia. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an acute left opercular infarction, while cranial computed tomography revealed a chronic contralateral frontoparietal infarction. The combination of characteristic clinical findings and imaging established the diagnosis. The patient received standard medical treatment and swallowing rehabilitation. Swallowing partially improved during follow-up, whereas severe speech impairment persisted. This case demonstrates that unilateral opercular infarction may produce the complete syndrome in the presence of previous contralateral cerebral injury. Early recognition of the characteristic clinical and imaging findings is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely management