Isolated Horner syndrome and syrinx of the cervical spinal cord.

PURPOSE: To alert ophthalmologists to the possibility of a spinal cord lesion in individuals with Horner syndrome and no neurologic symptoms.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

Neuro-ophthalmic and neuroimaging assessment of a 16-year-old man with an isolated Horner syndrome localizing to a first- or second-order neuron.

RESULTS

With magnetic resonance imaging, a syrinx of the cervical spinal cord extending from C5 to C7 was found. No Chiari malformation was present.

CONCLUSION

Patients with an isolated Horner syndrome localizing to a first- or second-order sympathetic neuron should undergo magnetic resonance imaging of the head, neck, spinal cord, and chest to investigate for possible origins. An isolated Horner syndrome may be the presenting manifestation of a cervical syrinx.