Snapshot
Volume 202 - Issue 9
Eagle Syndrome as a potential cause of Tapia Syndrome
Authors: Shereen Paramalingam and Yi J Kuok
Med J Aust 2015; 202 (9): 491. || doi: 10.5694/mja14.01227
Published online: 18 May 2015
Published online: 18 May 2015
A rare syndrome secondary to a rare condition
A 38-year-old man presented with influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome, resulting in an extended intensive care unit stay (37 days). After he was extubated, he was found to have left-side IX, X and XII cranial nerve palsies. Computed tomography of his neck showed bilateral elongated styloid processes (5.0 cm long; Figure), consistent with Eagle syndrome.1 The left styloid process was closely opposed to the transverse process of the first cervical vertebra, causing effacement of the internal jugular vein and compression of the IX, X and XII cranial nerves, which converge in this area. The eponym used to describe concurrent paralyses of the X and XII cranial nerves is Tapia syndrome,2 with prolonged neck flexion potentially contributing to the condition in our case.
Sagittal computed tomography image of the neck of the patient. A: Elongated styloid process (left); B: Area of compression of IX, X and XII cranial nerves.
Competing interests
No relevant disclosures.
Acknowledgements
Fraser Brims (Respiratory Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA) was the consultant who saw this patient.
References
- More CB, Asrani MK. Eagle's syndrome: report of three cases. Indian J Otolaryngol Head and Neck Surg 2011; 63: 396-399. _Ref416771129
- Kang JH, Kim DM, Kim SW. Tapia syndrome after cervical spine surgery. Korean J Spine 2013; 10: 249-251. _Ref416771159
Provenance: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
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