Ependymoma Presenting as a ­Rim-Enhancing Lesion in the Brainstem

Conclusion: Posterior fossa ependymomas typically arise from ependymal cells within the fourth ventricle or foramina of Luschka. They rarely invade or arise within the brainstem parenchyma. Our case had atypical imaging findings in addition to the atypical tumor location. The lesion was described as a thick-walled rim-enhancing focal cystic necrotic lesion centered within the medulla with surrounding nonenhancing expansile infiltrative changes. Ring-enhancing lesions can be seen in patients with anaplastic ependymoma, but is not commonly reported in grade II ependymomas. In summary, this report highlights a unique case of a posterior fossa ependymoma in a pediatric patient arising in an atypical brainstem location as well as having unique imaging features.Pediatr Neurosurg
Source: Pediatric Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research