Miosis, Trismus, and Dysphagia

A 79-year-old man with temporal arteritis presented with trismus, miosis, and dysphagia but no other symptoms or signs suggestive of temporal arteritis. Clinical and early radiographic findings suggested cancer of the esophagus. After diagnostic temporal artery biopsy the administration of corticoids was followed by a rapid resolution of all symptoms and signs. Possible patho-anatomical mechanisms for this unusual syndrome are discussed.