Foix—Alajouanine syndrome as a variant of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

The epidemiology of Foix-Alajouanine syndrome (FAS) remains poorly characterized. Accurate data on the prevalence of FAS In Russia are not available; in Germany, only 5-10 cases per 1 million population are reported. The article reviews data from the current literature on FAS and presents a clinical case of a patient with a dural arteriovenous fistula at the level of the craniovertebral junction with severe circulatory disorders at the upper cervical level of the spinal cord, with progressive severe focal neurological deficit, despite endovascular surgery. The disease-associated syndromes are described in detail, including the chronic critical condition, as well as the rehabilitation approach for this patient. The indications for surgery and choosing a treatment method for this patient, considering an extremely high risk of irreversible spinal circulatory disorders, were debatable.