# Harlequin Syndrome Caused by Multinodular Goitre

**Authors:** Andrew Strong, Justin Siew Yoong Tu, Sonya Kyi, Tissa Wijeratne

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81298 · 2025-03-27

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare case of Harlequin syndrome caused by a multinodular goitre, highlighting its neurological effects and differences from Horner’s syndrome.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting a rare case of Harlequin syndrome linked to a non-toxic multinodular goitre and providing a detailed neuroanatomical review.

## Key findings

- Harlequin syndrome was caused by compression of the sympathetic trunk from a multinodular goitre.
- The case highlights the importance of distinguishing Harlequin syndrome from Horner’s syndrome.
- The paper provides insights into sympathetic facial innervation for physicians.

## Abstract

Harlequin syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterised by hemifacial flushing and sweating. We present a case of Harlequin syndrome with evidence of compression of the sympathetic trunk due to a non-toxic multinodular goitre. We review the neuroanatomy of this fascinating condition, particularly in relation to the more common and often sinister Horner’s syndrome, to convey a deeper understanding of the nuances of sympathetic facial innervation to the keen physician.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Harlequin syndrome (MONDO:0016040), Horner’s syndrome (MONDO:0001294)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hemifacial flushing (MESH:D005483), Horner's syndrome (MESH:D006732), Harlequin Syndrome (MESH:C535634), sweating (MESH:D013543), neurological disorder (MESH:D009461), Multinodular Goitre (MESH:C564546)

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11950709/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11950709