Imaging features of clear-cell ependymoma of the spinal cord

Pediatr Radiol. 2007 Apr;37(4):384-7. doi: 10.1007/s00247-007-0413-5. Epub 2007 Feb 6.

Abstract

A 10-year-old girl presented with increasing lower back pain without gait or sphincter disturbances. MRI demonstrated a large, intramedullary tumor at the level of the conus. The imaging findings were unlike those of a classic ependymoma or astrocytoma. Histopathologic examination demonstrated clear-cell ependymoma, which is a distinct entity. We found three cases of clear-cell ependymoma of the spinal cord reported in the literature. Clear-cell ependymoma of the spinal cord can be resected completely and needs to be recognized for its imaging features, benign course and favorable prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Contrast Media
  • Ependymoma / diagnosis*
  • Ependymoma / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Spinal Canal / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Contrast Media