Turkish Neurosurgery
2004 , Vol 14 , Num 3-4
Ependymoma of Filum Terminale Mimicking Lumbar Disc Herniation
Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri,Turkey
A patient with ependymoma of filum terminale which was initially diagnosed
as a lumbar disc herniation is presented. Compression of spinal nerve roots by
an intradural mass due to ependymoma of filum terminale is a rare condition
and should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of lumbar disc
herniation. The normal postoperative appearance is important to recognize
because a number of changes occur normally during the healing period. The
differential diagnosis between an epidural scar or recurrent disc herniation and
a spinal mass can usually be made with magnetic resonance imaging. In this
study, the crucial role of magnetic resonance imaging with intravenous contrast
in the differential diagnosis is also emphasized.
Keywords :
Ependymoma, filum terminale, lumbar disc disease, magnetic resonance imaging, spinal neoplasm