A Review of Radiographic Imaging Findings of Ependymal Tumors

Hanna Maria Habib,A Bansal,P Belani

doi:10.23937/2643-4474/1710028

Abstract

Ependymomas are glial tumors that typically arise from the lining of the ventricles or the central canal of the spinal cord. The most common site of occurrence is within the posterior fossa. Subtypes of ependymomas include anaplastic ependymoma, myxopapillary ependymoma, and subependymoma. Its characteristic imaging features include findings of a heterogeneous mass with necrosis, calcifications, cystic changes, and hemorrhage. Treatment options includes partial resection with or without irradiation.

Highlights

Ependymomas are rare glial tumors that account for approximately 7% of all intracranial neoplasms in adults [1]
The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system of ependymomas ranges from WHO Grade I-III depending on the location and histologic appearance [1]
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features include a heterogeneous appearance on both T1/T2 weighted imaging related to foci of hemorrhage, necrosis, calcification, and increased vascularity [10]

Summary

Introduction

Ependymomas are rare glial tumors that account for approximately 7% of all intracranial neoplasms in adults [1]. MRI features include a heterogeneous appearance on both T1/T2 weighted imaging related to foci of hemorrhage, necrosis, calcification, and increased vascularity [10]. Ependymomas are more likely to be located centrally within the cord and have sharper margins of the tumor when compared to astrocytomas [7] They are iso- to hypointense on T1 weighted images and hyperintense on T2 weighted imaging. These typically occur in the extradural space, [2] compared to the intramedullary location of other spinal ependymomas These lesions are best characterized on MRI imaging and are usually isointense relative to the spinal cord on T1 weighted images and hyperintense on T2 weighted images [14]. The location of these tumors within the conus medullaris suggests this diagnosis [15] (Figure 5)

Discussion

Findings

Conclusion