Extraneural Metastasis of Ependymoma in Children: A Clinical Case

Abstract

Background. Ependymomas are a group of glial tumours, usually occurring in the posterior cranial fossa, less often — in the lateral ventricles and spinal cord. Most often, the recurrence of ependymomas occurs in primary sites, or in the central nervous system (CNS). Ependymoma metastasis beyond the craniospinal system occurs rarely if ever. Description of a Clinical Case. A clinical example of extraneural metastasis to the bones and bone marrow in a 10-year-old patient with supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma after complex therapy has been presented. A review of published cases of the development of extraneural ependymoma metastasis in children has been presented. An attempt was made to consider possible risk factors for their development. Conclusion. Ependymal tumours are capable of extraneural metastasis to the bone and hematopoietic systems. Continued growth and metastasis lead to extremely unfavourable prognosis for the disease.

Keywords

• clinical case
• extraneural metastasis
• ependymoma
• children
• prognosis