Successful treatment of rapid onset Foix-Alajouanine syndrome following hyperselective endovascular embolization of thoracic dural arteriovenous fistula: Case report, technical note and literature review

Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is an extremely rare yet important differential diagnosis for subacute lower limb weakness in middle-aged to elderly adults. Current understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease, along with recent publications on successful endovascular interventions, has shifted the perspective and clinical approach for its management. Nonetheless, neurosurgical pathways for clinical treatment are still preferred over endovascular embolization. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old male who developed a rapidly progressing thoracic medullary syndrome over a 6-month period, compromising motor function, sphincter control, and sensory function in the lower extremities. The patient was diagnosed with venous congestive myelopathy secondary to a dural arteriovenous fistula and underwent endovascular embolization using hyper-selective catheterization. Over an 8-month period, the patient experienced successful recovery of both motor and sensory functions. This case supports the use of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae with spinal involvement.