Multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas in the superior sagittal sinus region with reversible parkinsonism and urinary incontinence as rare presentations: a case report

Abstract Background: Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), characterized by abnormally direct connections between meningeal arteries and meningeal veins or dural venous sinuses, is a rare subtype among the intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Although the clinical manifestations of DAVF are very variable depending on the locations and size of venous drainage, parkinsonism and urinary incontinence are rarely reported. Here, we present a rare case with parkinsonism and urinary incontinence secondary to DAVF. Case presentation: A 50-year-old man was admitted for a progressively worsening weakness of his left lower limb over a year with urinary incontinence for four months. Neurological examination revealed rigidity and bradykinesia of the left upper limb without an obvious tremor. Magnetic resonance imaging exhibited diffuse white matter hyperintensities in bilateral centrum semiovale. Cranial magnetic resonance venography revealed extensive tortuous venous malformations. Digital subtraction angiography exhibited multiple bilaterally distributed DAVF in the superior sagittal sinus, supplied by bilateral occipital arteries and superficial temporal arteries. In the one year follow-up, the patient with multiple DAVF bilaterally distributed was completely cured after endovascular treatment according to the symptoms and the follow-up imaging results. Conclusion: this report enriches the clinical presentations of DAVF with parkinsonism and urinary incontinence, which is a crucial diagnostic clue to be aware of the possibility. Moreover, these rare symptoms can be relieved by timely endovascular treatment.