Two cases of urge incontinence caused by dural arteriovenous fistula in the craniocervical junction

Abstract

Urge urinary incontinence (UI) due to brainstem disorders is not well known. Here, we report a case of UI due to a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) in the craniocervical junction (CCJ). The cases were two men, aged 71 and 44 years, who developed the disease due to UI. Both patients developed quadriplegia within a few months, and further examination revealed dAVF of the CCJ. Treatment resolved the quadriplegia, but urinary problems persisted. Urge UI may be due to vascular disorders of the brain stem, so early diagnosis is important. If a dAVF is diagnosed, prompt surgical treatment is useful.