Myxopapillary ependymoma as a possible cause for lower back pain in children: case report

Abstract

Myxopapillary ependymoma (ME) is one of the types of ependymoma, which can be localized spinally, (Conus medullaris-fillum terminale region). The spinal ependymoma is usully a benign tumor. It most commonly occurs in the fourth decade of life, and can be observed in only in 8-20% children. If the tumor is localized in the L-S region of the spinal canal, it can cause lower back pain with radicular pain (lumboischialgia) which was the case with the patient presented in this case report. The patient underwent the algorithm of tests appropriate for lumboischialgy: X-ray of L-S spine, EMNG of the lower extremities, CT targeted according to the EMNG findings, and finally magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the L-S spine with and without contrast (T1 and T2 weighted image). Only the MRI of the L-S spine showed the tumor, and after neurosurgical consultation, surgery was undertaken. Pathohistological (PHD) analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Ependymoma myxopapillare.