Idiopathic harlequin syndrome: successful therapy with botulium toxin

Abstract

Harlequin syndrome is a rare autonomic disorder characterized by anhidrosis and lack of unilateral flushing of the face, which may affect the cervical and thoracic regions. Paradoxically, there is compensatory flushing and sweating on the contralateral side to the alteration. It is idiopathic in most cases, but it can be congenital or secondary to structural or post-surgical iatrogenic lesions. Treatment is directed at the causative factor. We describe the case of a patient with a diagnosis of idiopathic Harlequin Syndrome with botulinum toxin application in the hemiface affected by compensatory symptoms with good therapeutic response.

Keywords

• hyperhidrosis
• blushing
• botulinum toxin type a