Diffuse ependymal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor causing spinal drop metastases: a case report

[Disseminated ependymal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor: a case report and literature review]

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a benign mixed neuronal-glial neoplasm (WHO grade 1). DNET is most often localized in temporal lobes and found in children and young people with epilepsy. There a few cases of DNET in ventricular system with dissemination along the ependyma in the world literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a rare case of T1- and T2-negative ventricular system tumor. Only FIESTA imaging revealed dissemination with multiple focal lesions of the third ventricle, its bottom and lateral walls, anterior horns of lateral ventricles, cerebellar vermis, cervical and lumbar spinal cord.

RESULTS

The patient underwent transcortical endoscopic biopsy of the third ventricle tumor with simultaneous ventriculoperitoneal shunting. DNET was diagnosed, and radiotherapy was subsequently performed. Literature data on this issue were analyzed.

CONCLUSION

To date, disseminated forms of DNET are extremely rare. X-ray features and morphological results allow us to establish the correct diagnosis and determine further treatment strategy.

Intraventricular dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor in the temporal horn with Broad involvement of the ependyma

Though typical dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are located in the cerebral cortex, an atypical DNET could occur in the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle and broadly involve the ependyma. Awareness of this atypical form of DNET is of value for the wright diagnosis and management of atypical DNETs.

Lethal disseminated dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor following West Nile virus: Report of a very unusual combination

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are typically benign World Health Organization (WHO) grade I tumors of the cortical or deep gray matter with a favorable prognosis. We encountered a patient with DNET who has been evaluated and treated for West Nile encephalitis 7 months before presentation. Over the course of 2 years, the patient developed diffuse leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. As the disease burden increased, the patient eventually became quadriparetic. The patient elected for hospice care and expired shortly thereafter. Autopsy revealed DNET (WHO grade I) with extensive involvement of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal cord, bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, brainstem, the cortex of the right frontal and temporal lobes, and meningeal carcinomatosis of the brain and spinal cord. Mortality from DNET is rare, and as per our extensive literature search, there has been only 1 case reported of death attributed to seizures from this diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of disseminated DNET with meningeal infiltration or carcinomatosis resulting in mortality.