Concomitant Double Tumors of Myxopapillary Ependymoma Presented at Cauda Equina-Filum Terminale in Adult Patient

Myxopapillary Ependymoma-a Case Report of Rare Multicentric Subtype and Literature Review

Background

Myxopapillary ependymoma is a rare type of primary spinal tumor, it is distinctly a slow-growing tumor that originates in the conus medullaris, cauda equina, or film terminals and is rarely identified as a multicentric type. Myxopapillary ependymoma has a unique histological characteristic and is associated with a generally better prognosis.

Objective

We present a case of a rare multicentric myxopapillary ependymoma.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old male with 1-year history of low back pain and 3 months of radiating pain to left lower limb with perianal anesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibited a large intradural intramedullary lesion from the level of the conus medullaris extending to the filum terminals at the level of T12 to L3 with smaller multiple enhancing lesions seen opposite to L4 and L5 level as well as within the exiting nerve roots, at the left side of L1/L2 and L2/L3 and right side of L3/L4 and L5/S1 level. The patient underwent surgical resection with significant improvement in symptoms and no tumor progression on follow up MRI scan.

Conclusion

We hereby present a case of multicentric myxopapillary ependymoma with a literature review of the previous reported cases. We believe that our study will make a significant contribution to the literature and will be of interest to the readership regarding of the rarity of multicentric Myxopapillary ependymoma and it will help in decision making for the proper surgical Intervention on these kinds of cases.

Multifocal lumbar myxopapillary ependymoma presenting with drop metastasis: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Spinal myxopapillary ependymomas (SME) are rare WHO grade II neoplasms of the spinal cord. Despite their good prognosis, they have a high propensity for metastasis and recurrence, although the presentation of SME as multifocal is uncommon.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we describe a rare case of a 34-year-old man who presented with painful bilateral radiculopathy with sexual dysfunction and altered sensation with defecation. The patient also reported worsening weakness of bilateral lower extremities when climbing stairs. Biopsy results revealed multifocal SME in the lumbar and sacral spine that was treated with staged surgical resection and post-operative focal radiation therapy.

DISCUSSION

We discuss and evaluate surgical resection and the role of postoperative radiotherapy for SME. We also review the literature surrounding multifocal SME presenting in adults.

Ependymomas of Filum Terminale: Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Management of 5 Patients

OBJECTIVE

To retrospective review a series of patients with ependymomas of filum terminale (FTEs) who underwent microsurgical resection and had long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Five adults with FTEs were surgically treated and enrolled in the study. Clinical manifestations, imaging data, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Six FTEs were discovered on preoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging, with 1 rare case of a single FTE accompanied by a neurofibroma. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients; en bloc excision was carried out in 2 patients for 2 FTEs and 1 neurofibroma, while piecemeal resection was done in 3 patients for 4 FTEs. Most preoperative symptoms were relieved soon after surgery; 1 patient with urination difficulty achieved complete recovery 1 year postoperatively. Tumor recurrence was found in 1 patient 54 months after her first surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

FTEs are rare subdural extramedullary tumors. Patients usually present initially with back and leg pain. Elaborate microsurgical manipulations and intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring are helpful in ensuring satisfactory excision and neurological prognosis. Regular long-term follow-up is recommended for all postoperative patients.

Spinal Myxopapillary Ependymoma: The Sapienza University Experience and Comprehensive Literature Review Concerning the Clinical Course of 1602 Patients

BACKGROUND

Spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (sMPE) is an uncommon primary spinal neoplasm infiltrating the spinal cord, conus medullaris (CM), and nerve roots. It is associated with low resection and high recurrence rates. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the exact impact of the involvement of the CM and the role played by gross total resection (GTR) on overall survival (OS).

METHODS

The English literature was systematically investigated using MEDLINE, the NIH Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engines with relevant queries. Case series reporting details concerning OS, GTR, and CM involvement rate were included, with a differential statistical weight given by the number of patients enrolled. A final cohort of 1602 clinical records was analyzed according to the 3 selected end point variables.

RESULTS

The average age was 36.44 ± 3.41 years, and the CM was involved in 28.4% ± 28.2% of cases. The average GTR rate was 53.94% ± 22.20%. Five- and 10-year OS rates were respectively available in 1170 and 1167 cases, with an average 5- and 10-year OS rate of 94.99% ± 3.87% and 92.31% ± 5.73%. By means of analyses performed both on aggregated and disaggregated data a strong positive statistical connection between GTR and increased OS was demonstrated despite the real clinical advantage could range as low as around 1% of increased OS rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the indolent sMPE behavior, it is difficult to evaluate the exact impact of GTR and CM involvement on OS; however, GTR could be associated with a limited survival advantage, whereas CM involvement could be associated with a survival disadvantage.

Is NF2 a Key Player of the Differentially Expressed Gene Between Spinal Cord Ependymoma and Intracranial Ependymoma?

BACKGROUND

Although intracranial and spinal ependymomas are histopathologically similar, the molecular landscape is heterogeneous. An urgent need exists to identify differences in the genomic profiles to tailor treatment strategies. In the present study, we delineated differential gene expression patterns between intracranial and spinal ependymomas.

METHODS

We searched the Gene Expression Omnibus database using the term "ependymoma" and analyzed the raw gene expression profiles of 292 ependymomas (31 spinal and 261 intracranial). The gene expression data were analyzed to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 2 regions. The fold change (FC) and false discovery rate (FDR) were used to assess DEGs after gene integration (|log₂FC|>2; FDR P < 0.01). Enrichment and pathway analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 201 genes (105 upregulated and 96 downregulated) were significant DEGs in the data sets. The underexpression of NF2 in spinal ependymomas was statistically significant (FDR P = 7.91 × 10^-9). However, the FC of NF2 did not exceed the cutoff value (log₂FC, -1.2). The top 5 ranked upregulated genes were ARX, HOXC6, HOXA9, HOXA5, and HOXA3, which indicated that spinal ependymomas frequently demonstrate overexpression of HOX family genes, which play fundamental roles in specifying anterior/posterior body patterning. Moreover, the gene ontology enrichment analysis specified "anterior/posterior pattern specification" and "neuron migration" in spinal and intracranial ependymomas, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The most substantial magnitude of DEGs in ependymoma might be HOX genes. However, whether the differential expression of these genes is the cause or consequence of the disease remains to be elucidated in a larger prospective study.

Primary Seeding of Myxopapillary Ependymoma: Different Disease in Adult Population? Case Report and Review of Literature

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a slow-growing tumor, occurring most often in adults. It originates from the filum terminale in the area of the conus medullaris and cauda equina and is considered a benign lesion. Despite this classification, however, recurrence after both partial and gross total resection is well known. In the pediatric population, primary MPE seeding and generally more aggressive clinical course is well documented and treated through gross total resection, if possible, followed by irradiation. In adults, however, primary MPE seeding is rarely seen. There are few prior reports describing primary metastases into multiple spinal locations in an adult before resection of an MPE. The reason for this difference among pediatric and adult MPE remains unclear. We present the case of a 32-year-old man with primary seeding of an MPE into multiple lumbosacral areas. The patient underwent gross total resection of the lesions and had an uneventful postoperative course. Primary seeding could be a sign of aggressive behavior in this tumor. Complete craniospinal magnetic resonance imaging studies should be done before and after surgery in patients who present with a multifocal primary MPE. Furthermore, patients with a history of primary tumor seeding of MPE should be thoroughly evaluated radiologically. Unlike in pediatric populations, the need for postoperative irradiation in adults is less clear and further studies-particularly genetic ones-are warranted.