Garcin syndrome caused by parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma: A case report. Issue 45 (November 2017) - Xia, Nian-ge
Abstract: Rationale: Garcin syndrome is characterized by the gradual involvement, and ultimately, unilateral paralysis of at least 7 and sometimes all cranial nerves, without intracranial hypertension or any long tract signs. Patient concerns: We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with Garcin syndrome, which gradually progressed over a period of 2 years. Diagnosis: A left parotid gland biopsy revealed parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (PGACC) with perineural invasion of a peripheral nerve bundle and lymph node metastasis. Interventions: The patient was treated 3 times with local-field palliative radiotherapy. Outcomes: She died after several months. Lessons: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PGACC presenting as Garcin syndrome. PGACC is a rare tumor with a high propensity for perineural spread, and it should be considered as a possible cause of Garcin syndrome.