Myxopapillary ependymoma in children: A study of 11 cases and a comparison with the adult experience

Background Myxopapillary ependymomas (MEPN) are uncommon tumors of the central nervous system, mainly occurring within the conus medullaris–filum terminale. MEPNs can also present in the skin and underlying soft tissues of the sacrococcygeal region. The incidence of extramedullary MEPNs in children is unclear. Procedure We retrospectively reviewed our institutional files for MEPN cases between the years 1990–2012. A total of 11 pediatric and 38 adult cases were identified and compared to determine differences between these two distinct age groups. Results There were 40 (82%) tumors arising in the spine and nine (18%) in extramedullary sites. Pathologic examination revealed that extramedullary and spinal MEPNs were indistinguishable morphologically and immunophenotypically. Among the 11 children with MEPNs, seven had tumors presenting in extramedullary sites whereas only two adults (5%) had extramedullary tumors; this difference was highly significant (P