GIANT OSTEOLYTIC MYXOPAPILLARY EPENDYMOMA OF THE SACRUM: AN AGGRESSIVE FORM OF A BENIGN TUMOR

Introduction: myxopapillary ependymoma (MP) is a glial ependymal tumor that mainly affects young adults. The tumor originates in the filum terminale, the cauda equina and the conus medullaris. Case record: the case presented in a patient in whom a giant myxopapillary ependymoma was detected during a medical checkup for root pain. The tumor involved the sacral bones showing a locally aggressive behavior with intense osteolysis. Conclusion: possible theories that explain the presence of these tumors in sacral bones were discussed, focusing in the presence of embryonic remnants of ependymal tissue in the most caudal levels of the spinal canal, and the possible mechanisms that explain the aggressive behavior of these histologically benign tumors. Rev.cienc.biomed.2015; 6(2):348-353 KEYWORDS Spine; Myxopapillary ependymoma; Epidural neoplasm; Sacrum; Sacrococcygeal region