Collet-Sicard syndrome resulting from a Skull Base Paraganglioma: a case report

Collet-Sicard syndrome is a rare neurological condition resulting from lesions at the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal, leading to combined palsy of cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII. Neoplastic causes are most commonly involved, while benign tumors such as paragangliomas are infrequent etiologies. We report a 58-year-old woman who presented with progressive dysphagia and unilateral lower cranial nerve dysfunction. Clinical examination demonstrated right-sided palsy of cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lobulated, avidly enhancing lesion centered in the right hypoglossal canal with extension into the jugular foramen and adjacent carotid space, radiologically suggestive of a skull base paraganglioma. Based on the characteristic clinical and radiological findings, a diagnosis of Collet-Sicard syndrome secondary to a skull-base paraganglioma was made. This case underscores the importance of through neurological examination and early targeted imaging in patients presenting with progressive dysphagia and unilateral lower cranial nerve palsies.