Ectopic cortical anaplastic ependymoma: an unusual case report and literature review

Ependymona occasionally occurs outside the ventricular structures, which is called ectopic ependymona (EE), while pure cortex location is uncommon. However, cortical anaplastic ependymoma (CE) is rare, especially in children. There were only four primary CEs, which is located in the superficial cortex, were reported the age of the patient under 12 years old. The present case is a 20-month-old boy presenting with simple partial seizure was treated in our department. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a fronto-parietal lobe mass of more than 50mm in diameter with mixed signal intensity. Total removal of the mass lesion was performed without any neurological deficit. Pathological examination of the excised tumor were consistent with anaplastic ependymoma (AE). The patient had a good recovery after his surgical resection. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not taken into account in view of his age, the favorable site and the complete resection. The management of this unusual tumor is summarized in this paper.