A case of a facial nerve venous malformation presenting with crocodile tear syndrome

Surg Neurol Int. 2020 Jan 3:11:3. doi: 10.25259/SNI_570_2019. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Background: Crocodile tears syndrome, also known as Bogorad syndrome, is characterized by lacrimation secondary to olfactory and gustatory stimuli and mastication. Crocodile tear syndrome is typically encountered as an uncommon complication of Bell's palsy and usually occurs during the recovery phase of the disease course.

Case description: We present a case of a 39-year-old male who presented with facial paralysis with ipsilateral crocodile tear syndrome caused by a slow flow venous malformation of the petrous bone and facial nerve.

Conclusion: We present a case of crocodile tear syndrome caused by a facial nerve venous malformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case reported in literature.

Keywords: Bell’s palsy; Crocodile tear syndrome; Facial nerve venous malformation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports