Extramedullary Myxopapillary Ependymoma of the Filum Terminale Associated With Syringomyelia

Abstract

Aim: Ependymomas compose the majority of all intradural intramedullary spinal lesions. Filum terminale lesions are rarely associated with syringomyelia. Here we describe a case of extramedullary myxopapillary ependymoma associated with extensive syringomyelia located in the filum terminale. Material and Methods: A 34-year-old man admitted to our clinic with complaints of bilateral leg weakness, back pain and urinary dysfunction. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient showed us a contrast enhanced intraspinal mass at the level of L2 with a syringomyelia extending from L2 level to Th7 level. Results: The patient was operated via lumbar laminoplasty and tumor was totally resected. Conclusion: The removal of tumor is also sufficient for the resolution of syringomyelia and no additional procedure is essential for the treatment of syringomyelia in such cases. This is the first case of extramedullary tumors of the cauda equine with extensive syringomyelia.

Keywords

• Ependymoma
• Filum terminale
• Syringomyelia