Spinal Myxopapillary Ependymoma: A 12-Year-Old Pediatric Case with Hydrocephalus Presenting with Gait Abnormality

Primary malignant central nervous system tumors are the second most common group of childhood tumors. These tumors can increase the intracranial pressure with compression on the adjacent structures, as well as cause hydrocephalus by obstructing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Ependymomas, which constitute 10% of intracranial tumors, are responsible for 40-60% of spinal tumors in children and young adults. Its incidence has been reported as 0.3/100,000. Myxopapillary ependymomas are usually slow growing and benign lesions. Patients may present with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, torticollis or gait abnormalities.