What syndrome, common after internal carotid dissection, is characterized by ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis, and enophthalmos?

• A. Pancoast Syndrome
• B. Fowler’s Syndrome
• C. Horner's Syndrome
• D. Bell's Palsy

Answer: (C)

The syndrome characterized by ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), anhidrosis (lack of sweating), and enophthalmos (sunken appearance of the eyeball) is known as Horner's Syndrome. This condition occurs due to disruption of the sympathetic nerve pathways that supply the eye and surrounding structures.

In cases of internal carotid artery dissection, the sympathetic fibers can be affected, leading to the clinical signs associated with Horner's Syndrome. Each of the symptoms stems from the loss of sympathetic innervation to the eye and associated tissues.

The presence of ptosis arises from the paralysis of the smooth muscle that elevates the eyelid, while miosis results from unopposed parasympathetic activity following the loss of sympathetic tone. Anhidrosis occurs due to impairment of the sympathetic fibers that control sweat glands in the face, and enophthalmos happens as a result of the loss of muscle tone that maintains the normal position of the eye.

In summary, Horner's Syndrome fits the described presentation, making it the correct choice in this context.