[A man in his fifties with variable weakness and difficulty in walking].

BACKGROUND

An active man in his fifties was treated for atrial fibrillation with ablation. One week later he noticed variable weakness in his lower extremities. In the days that followed, his symptoms improved but could vary from day to day.

CASE PRESENTATION: On admission 3 months after the initial symptoms, he had spasticity and weakness in both lower extremities, with hyperreflexia and positive Babinski. Spinal fluid contained slightly elevated protein levels. Spinal MRI showed cord oedema and gadolinium enhancement over multiple spinal levels. Autoimmune myelitis was suspected, and he was treated with high dose steroids and rituximab. Due to lack of effect, repeated examinations were initiated. Information from his patient history regarding symptom exacerbation by walking or bending forward was emphasised. Repeated MRI showed unchanged spinal oedema and dilated peri- and intramedullary vessels. MRA and spinal digital DSA revealed a dural fistula at third lumbar level, with the left L3 radiculomedullary artery as the feed artery. The fistula was successfully ligated by the neurosurgeon.

INTERPRETATION: Spinal vascular lesions are rare and the diagnosis may be challenging due to atypical presentation. The case shows that detailed information from the patient history and thorough clinical investigation is of paramount importance to disclose this probably underreported condition.