Seeding of intracranial ependymomas in children

19 cases of intracranial ependymomas were reviewed to determine the incidence of seeding. 4 patients demonstrated conclusive evidence of seeding in sites remote from the operative and irradiated field, 3 of whom had high-grade ependymomas. Clinical-pathological correlation disclosed a greater tendency to seeding and a worse prognosis among patients with high-grade ependymomas. A more aggressive therapeutic approach is indicated when high-grade ependymomas are involved.