Ependymoma of filum terminale: metrizamide-enhanced CT evaluation

Two cases of surgically proven myxopapillary ependymomas of filum terminale are reported. In both, myelography and metrizamide-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed. An intramedullary tumor in the lower thoracic spine, soft-tissue masses in the neural foramina and enlarged bony spinal canal in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine were noted in one case and, in the other, an intradural extramedullary tumor at T12-L1 level. Both patients had normal cranial CT scans, and both presented with similar symptoms--low back pain and weakness and paresthesia of leg or legs for up to 3 years' duration. Myelography and metrizamide-enhanced CT scans were performed in order to evaluate disc disease in one patient and spinal stenosis in the other. Ependymoma was an incidental finding, which was then removed by surgical resection. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis.