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Diffuse ependymal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor causing spinal drop metastases: a case report
Seul Kee Kim1, Min Young Jeong, Tae Young Jung
1Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 501-757, Korea.
Korean Journal of Radiology
|July 11, 2012
Summary
Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) typically occur in the brain's cerebral cortex. This report details an exceptionally rare intraventricular DNET case with widespread ependymal spread causing spinal metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are rare, slow-growing tumors of neuronal and glial origin.
- They most commonly arise within the supratentorial cerebral cortex, particularly in children and young adults.
- Intraventricular and diffuse ependymal involvement are exceedingly uncommon presentations of DNETs.
Observation:
- This study presents a unique case of an intraventricular DNET.
- The tumor exhibited diffuse involvement of the ependymal lining of the ventricles and spinal canal.
- This unusual pattern led to the development of spinal drop metastases.
Findings:
- The presented case highlights an atypical location and extensive spread of a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor.
- Diffuse ependymal involvement by DNET is a rare phenomenon with significant implications for treatment and prognosis.
- The occurrence of spinal drop metastases from an intraventricular DNET underscores the potential for aggressive behavior in rare variants.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of DNET presentation and behavior.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering DNETs in the differential diagnosis of intraventricular and leptomeningeal lesions.
- Further research into the molecular mechanisms driving atypical DNET spread may inform novel therapeutic strategies.
