Intraparenchymal myxopapillary ependymoma: case report

Abstract

Objective and importance: Myxopapillary ependymoma is a histological variant of ependymoma found in the cauda equina region. The most characteristic histological feature of myxopapillary tumors is the abundance of intercellular and perivascular mucin and the arborizing vasculature, which tends to form papillae. Primary intracerebral myxopapillary ependymomas are extremely rare; only three cases have been reported in the previous literature.

Clinical presentation: A 68-year-old man presented with disorientation and dizziness caused by a cystic left frontal intraparenchymal lesion. This proved to be a myxopapillary ependymoma. Similarities to previously reported cases are discussed, as are the findings on magnetic resonance imaging. There is also a literature review of the histological findings, natural history, and outcome of surgically treated myxopapillary ependymoma.

Intervention: The lesion was totally removed. After surgery, the patient was neurologically intact and had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion: This is the fourth reported case of histologically proven primary myxopapillary intracranial ependymoma.