A Case of Giant Ependymomas of the Cauda Equina associated with Thoracic Intradural Spinal A-V Malformations

ABSTRACT

Spinal ependymomas originate in the ependymal lining and grow rather slowly which allows them to reach considerable size and length. The great majority of primary tumors of the cauda equina are ependymomas and show a rather marked predilection for the male. Histologically ependymomas are benign but merastasis and anaplasia have been reported. The basic architectural structures of the ependymoma are the ependymal rosettes and pseudo-rosettes. Intradural spinal arteriovenous malformmations are relatively rare lesions and found only at autopsy or incidentally during surgical operations before the advent of investigative procedure. Development of myelography and spinal angiography have shown that vascular malformations of the spinal cord are not rare. Male is more predominant than female. The etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms are uncertain but many authors have believed that congenital, trauma, inflammations, tumoral processes, vasculitis and abnormal posture are influenced on A-V malformations of the spinal cord. No reports have been noticed about giant ependymomas of the cauda equina combined with spinal A-V malformations. We have experienced a case of giant ependymomas of the cauda equina associated with thoracic intradural spinal A-V malformations in forty-two year-old male and reviewed the literatures.