Carotid fibromuscular dysplasia and paresis of lower cranial nerves (Collect-Sicard syndrome). Case report.

A patient suffered the acute onset of unilateral pareses of the ninth through 12th cranial nerves (Collet-Sicard syndrome). Ipsilateral retrograde jugular phlebography and carotid angiography revealed irregular aneurysmal changes of the internal carotid artery at the base of the skull, causing compression of the internal jugular vein below the jugular foramen. This finding is discussed in relation to the clinical symptoms and signs, and possible mechanisms are examined. Family history as well as the clinical and roentgenological findings were compatible with a diagnosis of fibromuscular dysplasia.