A rare case of intracranial extra-axial ependymoma

Viscardo Paolo Fabbri1, Valentina Papa2, Antonio Fioravanti3

  • 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotors Sciences, Anatomic Pathology at Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Ultrastructural Pathology
|November 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Intracranial extra-axial ependymomas are rare tumors that can resemble meningiomas. This report details the radiological and histological features of an intracranial extra-axial ependymoma that mimicked a meningioma.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Pathology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intracranial extra-axial ependymomas (IEAEs) are exceptionally rare central nervous system tumors.
  • Their clinical and radiological presentations can be highly variable, posing diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • This report details a rare case of an intracranial extra-axial ependymoma.
  • The tumor exhibited morphological features on radiology, histology, and ultrastructure that closely mimicked a meningioma.

Findings:

  • The key finding is the presentation of an intracranial extra-axial ependymoma with features indistinguishable from a meningioma.
  • Detailed morphological analysis (radiological, histological, ultrastructural) is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Accurate differentiation of IEAEs from meningiomas is critical for appropriate treatment planning.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare differential diagnoses in neuro-oncology.
  • Enhanced understanding of IEAE morphology can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.