Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Neoplasms: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Abstract

■ List common and noteworthy less common intradural extramedullary spinal neoplasms. ■ Describe the radiologic manifestations of these neoplasms. ■ Discuss correlation of the imaging findings with the underlying pathologic features.

Metaplastic Spinal Meningioma in the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Spinal meningiomas represent a minority of all meningiomas, approximately 12% 2) and about 25% to 46% of total spinal cord tumors 4,15) . They have a peak incidence in the sixth through eighth decades 10) . These tumors most commonly involve the thoracic region (67-84%) and are encountered least commonly in the lumbar region (2-10%) 16,17) .…”

A Review of Radiographic Imaging Findings of Ependymal Tumors

“…Although rare, ependymomas may arise in the spine. They typically present in adults with a mean age of 39 years and are more common in males [2]. The only known genetic disorder to be associated with intramedullary ependymoma is neurofibromatosis type 2 [6].…”

“…Pediatric ependymomas are the 3 rd most common brain tumor in children. More than half of cases occur in children under the age of five [2].…”

Neoplasms of the Posterior Fossa

“…About 5% are multiple [64]. Rarely, they may occur within the cerebellopontine angle and the cerebellum [65]. An embryonic rest of choroid plexus is speculated as the cause of these extraventricular lesions [66].…”

“…Males are more commonly affected and most reported cases (82%) have occurred in patients older than 15 years of age [127,128]. Almost all of these tumors occur within the fourth and lateral ventricles with at least half of the reported cases located in the fourth ventricle and 40-45% arising in the lateral ventricle [65]. It may also rarely occur in the septum pellucidum, the third ventricle, and in the cervical or cervico-thoracic spinal cord [128,129].…”