Pourfour du Petit syndrome caused by traumatic pseudo-aneurysm of the internal carotid artery

Abstract

Pourfour du Petit syndrome, or reverse Horner syndrome, is described as an overactive sympathetic nervous system, being characterized by mydriasis, eyelid retraction, and hyperhidrosis. We described a case of Pourfour du Petit syndrome after cervical injury by gunshot, with a little review about this rare syndrome. Angiography revealed dissection and formation of pseudo aneurysm of the left carotid artery. We believe that this lesion caused hyper-stimulation of the left cervical sympathetic chain, resulting in reverse Horner syndrome or Pourfour du Petit syndrome. There was reversal of symptoms spontaneously after 3 wk.

Keywords

Horner syndrome - autonomic nervous system - Pourfour du Petit syndrome - carotid artery dissection