Extra-axial ependymoma of the cerebral convexity: A very rare intracranial adult tumor

Neuroradiol J. 2017 Jun;30(3):281-285. doi: 10.1177/1971400916687584. Epub 2017 Jan 6.

Abstract

Background Ependymomas are rare adult tumors that originate from the ventricular system or the ependymal surface of the central canal. Extra-axial supratentorial ependymomas are extremely rare, and only five cases have been reported to date in the English literature. Case presentation A 46-year-old previously healthy male presented with a gradual painless loss of vision in the right eye. Cerebral MRI showed a right parietal-occipital lesion resembling an atypical meningioma. Surgical resection was performed, and immunohistochemical staining results concluded that it was a very uncommon location of a grade 3 ependymoma. Favorable outcome was observed one year after completion of postoperative radiotherapy. Conclusion Clinical and imaging aspects are misleading in rare brain tumors, and immunohistochemistry is essential to re-address diagnosis.

Keywords: Ependymoma; MRI; extra-axial; immunohistochemistry; radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Craniotomy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ependymoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ependymoma / pathology
  • Ependymoma / radiotherapy
  • Ependymoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal