Myxopapillary ependymoma of the cauda equina in a 5-year-old boy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Oncology
• Neuropathology

Background:

• Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a rare tumor typically found in the central nervous system.
• Pediatric MPE cases involving the cauda equina are exceptionally uncommon.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing pediatric spinal cord tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of pediatric myxopapillary ependymoma of the cauda equina.
• To describe the surgical and therapeutic management of this condition in a young child.
• To evaluate the long-term outcome of combined surgical resection and radiation therapy.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 5-year-old boy with leg pain and abnormal gait.
• Initial subtotal tumor resection followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance.
• Second subtotal tumor resection for recurrent disease.
• Postoperative radiation therapy administered after the second resection.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms indicative of a cauda equina tumor.
• Initial subtotal resection was followed by tumor recurrence.
• A second subtotal resection and subsequent radiation therapy led to no further evidence of disease.
• The patient remained disease-free for over ten years post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Myxopapillary ependymoma of the cauda equina in children, though rare, can be effectively managed.
• A multimodal approach involving subtotal tumor resection and postoperative radiation therapy can achieve long-term disease control.
• This case underscores the importance of vigilant follow-up and aggressive treatment for pediatric spinal tumors.