We present the case of a 44-year-old woman, without history of previous illness, and a suspected spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) associated with what has been known as Foix-Alajouanine syndrome. The physiopathology of the AV fistula is probably related to an increased venous pressure from the AVM plus thrombotic process. The most common initial symptoms are somatosensory disturbance, abdominal pain and weakness of the lower limbs. A definitive diagnosis of spinal AVMs requires radiographic demonstration of the vascular anomaly. However, in some cases, the suggestive defects of malformations can remain unseen, even in the MRI findings and macroscopical and anatomical-pathological examination of the lesion. These findings should raise our attention regarding the need to keep in mind the clinical suspicion of AVM in cases of abdominal and back pain and motor deficit.