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Multiple intradural-extramedullary spinal ependymomas including tumors with different histological features
Akira Honda1, Yoichi Iizuka2, Junko Hirato3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
Summary
This case study details a rare instance of multiple spinal ependymomas with varying histological grades. Successful treatment involved surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, leading to a positive long-term outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Spinal cord pathology
Background:
- Ependymomas are tumors arising from ependymal cells.
- Intradural-extramedullary spinal ependymomas are rare, and multiple occurrences with differing histology are exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old female presented with progressive paresis and difficulty walking.
- MRI revealed multiple thoracic spinal cord tumors.
- Histological examination of resected tumors showed both World Health Organization (WHO) Grade III anaplastic ependymoma and Grade II ependymoma.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of multiple intradural-extramedullary spinal ependymomas.
- Histological diversity within multiple ependymomas.
- Successful management with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Implications:
- Aggressive multimodal treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) can achieve favorable outcomes in rare cases of multiple spinal ependymomas.
- Highlights the importance of thorough histological evaluation for diverse tumor types.
- Suggests potential for long-term disease control in complex spinal tumor cases.