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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis
Published on: December 5, 2020
Voiding Dysfunction in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 31
Megumi Sugiyama1, Ryuji Sakakibara2, Fuyuki Tateno2
1Clinical Physiology Unit, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Sakura, Japan.
Objective:
To describe a case of SCA31 who presented with possible neurogenic voiding dysfunction.
Methods:
A case report.
Results:
A 73-year-old man with a 5-year history of cerebellar ataxia developed partial urinary retention. His father and a sister had cerebellar ataxia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebellar atrophy, and gene analysis revealed TGGAA repeat prolongation, and he was diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia 31. Urodynamics revealed normal bladder filling but a slightly weak detrusor and a post-void residual urine volume of 130 mL, whereas his prostate volume was normal (26 mL). External sphincter electromyography revealed neurogenic change in the motor unit potentials. In order to lessen the post-void residual, hewas started on 15mg/day pilocarpine with benefit. The weak detrusor and sphincter electromyography abnormality indicated involvement of the sacral spinal cord in this disorder.
Conclusion:
Neurogenic urinary retention in SCA31 can be listed in the clinical differential diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia. However, possible outflow obstruction in men should always be explored.
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