[Two cases of neurogenic bladder due to HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM)]

Case-1 (24-year-old female) had complained of slowly progressive urinary incontinence (since 14 years old) and gait disturbance (since 18 years old). A marked pyramidal disorder was observed, and anti-HTLV-1 antibody (1:640) was present in her peripheral blood. She was diagnosed as having HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM). Repeated urodynamic studies (UDS) revealed exacerbation of overactive bladder and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) with the progress of the disease. Case-2 (48-year-old male) had complained of gait disturbance (since 32 years old) and progressive urinary hesitancy (since 46 years old). Physical examination revealed a marked pyramidal disorder. Anti-HTLV-1 antibody (1:200) and ATL-like cells were present in his peripheral blood. He was diagnosed as having HAM. The voiding cystourethrography demonstrated an abnormal change of the bladder wall. UDS revealed overactive bladder and marked DSD. Medications based on adrenocortical steroids and urological cares have improved urinary disturbance, in both cases.