Outcome of surgery for intramedullary spinal ependymoma

Ependymoma is the most frequently encountered intramedullary tumor. Total surgical resection is the therapeutic modality of choice whenever possible, but carries a significant risk of morbidity. This study was designed to define prognostic factors that affect clinical outcome after surgical resection of spinal intramedullary ependymoma.

The medical records, radiological and pathological studies of all patients with intramedullary spinal ependymomas treated surgically in one institution were reviewed retrospectively. Spinal myxopapillary ependymomas were excluded. In a multivariable regression analysis, possible prognostic factors were correlated with the 6-month postoperative neurological status using McCormick's grading scale.

Surgery was performed on 17 patients (14 males, 3 females, mean age of 42+/-15 years) with spinal ependymoma. The cervical spine was the most common tumor location (71%). Total surgical resection of the tumor was achieved in 11 cases (65%). Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was used in 8 cases (47%). Postoperatively, 11 patients (65%) either improved or had no change from their preoperative neurological status. None of the 11 totally resected tumors has shown evidence of recurrence in a follow-up period range from 8-120 months (median, 33 months). Of several possible prognostic factors, the only statistically significant correlation identified with the 6-month postoperative neurological status was the preoperative McCormick grading score.

Preoperative neurological status was the only statistically significant factor in determining the postoperative neurological outcome of patients with spinal intramedullary ependymomas. Early diagnosis and referral for surgery to specialized centers are recommended as controllable factors in improving outcome.