Cauda equina myxopapillary ependymoma in von Hippel-Lindau disease: A case report

Abstract

Background: Patients affected by Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) are prone to develop central nervous system neoplasms such as hemangioblastomas (HBs). Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is not commonly associated with VHL disease.

Case description: We present the first case of a VHL patient affected by simultaneous silent cauda equina MPE and a symptomatic conus medullaris HB. The patient was first operated for systemic tumors and followed for asymptomatic HBs. Simple surveillance was maintained until neurological symptoms appeared. Regular follow-up demonstrated objective growth of the cystic conus medullaris tumor while the cauda equina lesion remained stable. Surgery was performed to avoid further neurological worsening. Histopathological examination showed conus medullaris HB and a nearby cauda equina MPE.

Conclusion: Simultaneous spinal HBs and isolated MPE may exceptionally occur in VHL patients.

Keywords: Cauda equine; Conus medullaris; Hemangioblastoma; Myxopapillary ependymoma; Von Hippel-Lindau.