Introduction:

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (FAVDE) are rare and have an unspecific and insidious clinical presentation. Its etiology is unknown and the incidence is higher in middle-aged men.

Case Description:

A 50-year-old woman, with a history of reactive depression, went to the family physician for pain after a fall with an impact on her right hip and knees. The physical exam and radiographic images did not show any pathological findings, however, the pain persisted despite the conservative treatment. Lower limb dysesthesia and urinary and fecal incontinence added to the initial symptoms of nocturne right hip pain. The patient was referred to a neurosurgery appointment and a FAVDE was detected.

Comment:

The aim of this case report is to show the difficulties found in the evaluation of this patient and raise awareness for this rare pathology, enhancing the importance of a timely diagnosis and treatment.

        ·     ·     · ( pdf )