Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma presenting as Garcin's Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Garcin's Syndrome is a rare condition characterized by multiple unilateral cranial nerve palsies.
• It is often associated with neoplastic or inflammatory processes.
• This case presents a unique etiology of the syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Garcin's Syndrome secondary to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and imaging findings associated with this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• A case report of an 80-year-old male patient.
• Clinical presentation of progressive unilateral cranial nerve palsies over 12 months.
• Diagnostic imaging including gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the head and neck.
• Tissue diagnosis via incisional biopsy.

Main Results:

• MRI revealed an extra-axial enhancing lesion involving the left hemi-mandible and inferior alveolar nerve.
• A dumbbell-shaped lesion was identified in the cerebellopontine angle.
• Incisional biopsy confirmed Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Conclusions:

• The combination of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings confirmed Garcin's Syndrome secondary to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
• This case underscores the importance of considering lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cranial nerve palsies.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing this rare condition.