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Rare Giant Intradural Extramedullary Ependymoma
Dengyong Liao1, Jing Zhang1, Haifeng Chen1
1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.
World Neurosurgery
|December 24, 2017
Summary
A rare, large intradural extramedullary ependymoma caused severe back pain and leg paralysis in a young woman. Surgical removal led to significant recovery of motor function and pain relief, though sensory deficits persisted.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Spinal cord surgery
Background:
- Intradural extramedullary ependymomas are rare spinal cord tumors.
- This case represents the largest reported instance of this rare tumor type.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old female presented with a 3-year history of back pain and 10 days of lower limb paralysis.
- MRI revealed an enhanced intradural lesion compressing the spinal cord between T2 and T12.
- Neurologic examination indicated complete paralysis and sensory disturbance in the lower extremities.
Findings:
- Surgical resection via laminectomy achieved complete tumor removal.
- Pathology confirmed the lesion as an ependymoma.
- Postoperative recovery included resolution of back pain and return of muscle strength to level 4 in lower extremities within one year.
Implications:
- Complete resection of intradural extramedullary ependymomas can lead to significant neurological recovery.
- This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention for spinal cord tumors.
- Further research into the management of rare spinal tumors is warranted.
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