Myxopapillary ependymoma: A rare case presentation

Abstract

Ependymomas are the preponderant glial tumors of the spinal cord. Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a subtype of ependymoma, first described by Kernohan in 1932. This is a slow-growing, benign tumor. It occurs in the third to fifth decade of life and constitutes 0.5% of cases of ependymomas. MPE is an intradural lesion that arises mainly in the conus medullaris, cauda equina, and filum terminale. The presenting features of these fleshly, sausage-shaped, vascular lesions are chronic low back pain with or without sciatica. Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful in the diagnosis of the primary and recurrent lesions. Regular close follow-up is recommended for better prognosis. We present a rare case of MPE in a 50-year-old male who presented with lower back pain and retention of urine for the last 1 year.