Multisegment Intradural Extramedullary Ependymoma

Abstract

Ependymomas are commonly reported at an intradural intramedullary location and more frequently at the conus medullaris or filum terminale. In comparison to this, the incidence of spinal tumors being reported at an intradural extramedullary site is less. We describe a young patient who presented with urinary retention and a long-standing history of back pain radiating to the right lower limb. Imaging revealed an intradural ependymoma extending from D11 to S1 and measuring 21 cm in length. The patient underwent D10 to S1 laminectomy. Although the tumor originated from the conus medullaris, the histological evaluation revealed a WHO grade II ependymoma, which is rare, as only 30% of tumors in this location are non-myxopapillary.