Korean J Radiol.  2012 Aug;13(4):492-495. 10.3348/kjr.2012.13.4.492.

Diffuse Ependymal Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor Causing Spinal Drop Metastases: A Case Report

• Kim SK
• Jeong MY
• Jung TY
• Kang HK
• Yoon W

• KMID: 1383862
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2012.13.4.492

Abstract

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) arise mostly in the supratentorial cerebral cortex. A very rare case of intraventricular DNET with diffuse ependymal involvement, which causes spinal drop metastasis, is presented.

Keyword

Brain tumor; Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diagnosis, Differential
Ependymoma/*pathology/radiotherapy
Female
Humans
Lumbosacral Region/*pathology
*Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neuroepithelial Cells/pathology
Spinal Neoplasms/radiotherapy/*secondary

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Diffuse ependymal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor with spinal drop metastasis in 29-year-old female patient. A. Axial T1-weighted image shows diffuse and nodular low signal intensity lesions along ependymal surface of lateral ventricles and third ventricle. B. Lesions show bright signal intensity on axial T2-weighted image. C. Axial fluid attenuated inversion recovery image shows hyperintense rim (arrows) along wall of ventricles between mass lesions and underlying periventricular white matter. D. Coronal, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image shows peripheral rim like or nodular enhancement along surface of mass lesions. E. Axial diffusion-weighted image shows no diffusion restriction within tumor. F. Photomicrograph shows oligodendrocyte-like cells in mucinous matrix (H&E, × 400). G. Immunohistochemical staining shows that synaptophysin is expressed in larger tumor cells, which are supposed to be neuronal component (IHC, × 400). H. Axial, T2-weighted lumbar spine magnetic resonance (MR) image obtained 29 months after initial presentation shows well defined, multiple intradural masses with high signal intensity surrounding cauda equina (arrows). I. Axial, contrast enhanced T1-weighted lumbar spine MR image shows extensive enhancement in intradural masses and bilateral S1 nerve roots (arrows).

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