Incidental discovery of a presacral extradural myxopapillary ependymoma

Abstract

Ependymoma is a malignant central nervous system tumor arising from the lining of the ventricles or central canal of the spinal cord. Extradural spinal ependymomas arise from heterotopic ependymal cells or the coccygeal medullary vestige and are extremely infrequent. We present a rare case of presacral extradural ependymoma. Extradural ependymomas typically demonstrate an extraneural spread and, thus, surveillance of the entire central nervous system is not typically recommended. A radiograph of the chest, liver profile, and attention to palpable lymphadenopathy (especially inguinal) on physical examination are vital for surveillance. Obtaining an R0 resection is the most important prognostic factor in survival and local recurrence.