Pediatric intraspinal neoplasms

Abstract

With an overall incidence of 10% of all central nervous system tumors, spinal tumors are relatively rare in children. The majority of these tumors are astrocytomas and ependymomas (70%) followed by rare non-glial tumor entities, such as gangliogliomas. They can be differentiated into intramedullary, extramedullary intradural and extramedullary extradural tumors according to their occurrence within the anatomical intraspinal compartments. The clinical presentation is generally unspecific. Longer lasting back pain or a gradually worsening scoliosis are often the first signs of the disease. Neurological deficits, such as gait disturbances and paresis often occur after a time delay. In rare cases increased intracranial pressure has been reported.Knowledge concerning potential organ manifestations, resulting complications and typical radiological presentation, especially in magnetic resonance imaging are mandatory for adequate diagnosis and treatment of affected patients.