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Intrasacral myxopapillary ependymoma
L E Ginsberg1, D W Williams, C Stanton
1Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1088.
Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Intrasacral ependymomas, rare sacral tumors, often present late with pain. This case highlights diagnosis during infertility investigation, detailing myxopapillary ependymoma MRI features.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Spinal cord tumors
- Sacral tumors
Background:
- Intrasacral ependymomas are rare primary tumors of the sacrum.
- These tumors constitute a small percentage of all sacral neoplasms.
- They are often diagnosed at a large size after a prolonged symptomatic period.
Observation:
- A case of intrasacral ependymoma was incidentally discovered during an infertility workup.
- The patient presented with symptoms that led to the investigation of infertility.
- This presentation is atypical compared to the common history of pain.
Findings:
- The study describes the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of a myxopapillary ependymoma.
- Specific MRI features relevant to the myxopapillary subgroup are detailed.
- The findings aid in the radiological diagnosis of this rare tumor type.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare spinal tumors in differential diagnoses, even in atypical presentations like infertility.
- Provides valuable imaging insights for radiologists and neurosurgeons managing sacral ependymomas.
- Emphasizes the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches for sacral tumors.