J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2011 Jul;50(1):57-59. 10.3340/jkns.2011.50.1.57.

Primary Extramedullary Ependymoma of the Cervical Spine : Case Report and Review of the Literature

• Son DW
• Song GS
• Han IH
• Choi BK

• KMID: 2066855
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2011.50.1.57

Abstract

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) ependymomas occur very rarely and little has been reported about their clinical characteristics. The authors present a case of a 57-year-old woman with an IDEM ependymoma. She was referred for the evaluation of a 4-month history of increasing neck pain and muscular weakness of the left extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated an IDEM tumor with spinal cord compression. At the time of surgery, an encapsulated IDEM tumor without a dural attachment or medullary infiltration was noted, but the tumor capsule adherent to the spinal cord and root was left in place to minimize the risk of neurological sequelae. Histologic examination revealed a benign classic ependymoma. The post-operative course was uneventful and radiotherapy was performed. The patient showed an excellent clinical recovery, with no recurrence after 5 years of follow-up.

Keyword

Intradural extramedullary; Ependymoma; Cervical spine

MeSH Terms

Ependymoma
Extremities
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypogonadism
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Mitochondrial Diseases
Muscle Weakness
Neck Pain
Ophthalmoplegia
Recurrence
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Compression
Spine
Hypogonadism
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia