[Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: a treatable cause of loss of strength in the legs].

In a 59-year-old male suffering from progressive gait disorder with paraparesis and sensory disturbances in the legs, two spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas on levels Tv and LIII were demonstrated by spinal angiography. Both fistulas were embolised with glue, which resulted in complete relief of his symptoms. Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are localized in the dura, extramedullary, and are most often found in males over forty. Signs and symptoms are caused by venous congestion and ischaemia of the spinal cord. Treatment is by means of embolisation or surgical ligation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, since delay causes development of irreversible myelopathy.