A Case of Foix-Alajouanine Syndrome Triggered by Coronavirus-19

Abstract

Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is the subacute spinal vasculitis of viral origin described in 1926 by Foix and Alajonanine. In this connection non-specific body response to viral infection affects spinal arteries, leading to rapidly progressive myelopathy. We present the case of a 41-year-old male patient with sporadic subacute motor neuron disease. The aim of the study is to elucidate the etiology of myelitis in the patient. For that purpose, spinal MR angiography and spinal MR tractography were used. Spinal MR tractography has revealed lateral columns to be intact, which excluded amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Spinal MR angiography has detected narrowing and tortuosity of spinal arteries, as well as the occlusion of the right twelfth intercostal artery. Meanwhile a generalized skin eruption in the form of erythematous rings testified the presence of coronavirus-19 infection. Thus, we presume that subacute myelopathy in our patient refers to Foix-Alajouanine syndrome.