Spinal Cord Subependymoma

Subependymoma is considered a relatively slow growing benign tumor that is usually found at autopsy. It is difficult to differentiate from astrocytoma or ependymoma on the basis of morphologic or radiographic findings. 33-year-old female patient presented with a 16-year history of left lower extremity pain followed by numbness of the same area as well as both upper extremities. Spinal MRI revealed an enhanced abnormal intra-medullary mass extending from Th3 to Th7 and accompanied by a cystic mass lesion. No specific findings were apparent todifferentiate this tumor from astrocytoma or ependymoma. The patient underwent total resection, resulting in good neurologic recovery. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated findings typical of subependymoma. Clinical course, pathological features, treatment and prognosis of 41 published cases are reviewed in the discussion