Peripheral facial nerve palsy after therapeutic endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Peripheral facial nerve palsy (FNP) is a mononeuropathy affecting the facial nerve.
• Known causes include infections, trauma, ischemia, tumors, and extrinsic compression.
• FNP due to extrinsic compression is infrequently reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of peripheral FNP following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
• To highlight the potential for extrinsic compression during therapeutic endoscopy as a cause of FNP.
• To increase physician awareness of FNP as a possible complication of therapeutic endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 71-year-old male patient.
• Diagnosis of peripheral FNP after undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection.
• Review of literature regarding FNP and extrinsic compression.

Main Results:

• The patient developed peripheral FNP subsequent to therapeutic endoscopy.
• This represents the first reported instance of FNP following endoscopic submucosal dissection.
• The findings suggest extrinsic compression during the procedure as a potential etiology.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral FNP can occur following therapeutic endoscopy, potentially due to extrinsic compression.
• Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for FNP in patients presenting after endoscopic procedures.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms and incidence of FNP post-endoscopy is warranted.