Intraspinal, extradural ependymoma

Abstract

Extradural ependymoma is a rare tumor arising most commonly in the soft tissues of the presacral area, less commonly in the soft tissues of the sacrococcygeal region dorsal to the sacrum, and rarely in the extradural portion of the spinal canal. The differential diagnosis varies with the location, but the natural history of the tumor is the same. If the tumor is not completely excised at surgery, it may recur. Distant metastases have been reported. A case of an extradural ependymoma arising within the spinal canal is reported with myelographic and computed tomographic findings at diagnosis and after therapy.