Extra-Axial Subarachnoid Ependymoma Mimicking a Pca Schwannoma

Abstract

The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment are described for a patient with an ependymoma involving the left cerebellopontine angle (PCA). A 34-year-old woman had left facial paralysis, hearing loss and headache in 8 months. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed a mass lesion of the left PCA which was enhanced homogeneously. Magnetic resonance imaging also (MRI) showed the mass in the left PCA which was high-intense on T1-weighted images, iso- and high-intense on T2-weighted images and homogeneously enhanced by administration of Gd-DTPA. The patient was operated on and the tumor was totally removed. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed a typical ependymoma. The postoperative course was uneventful with complete resolution of the symptoms on admission. We present here an unusual case of PCA ependymoma located within the PCA and exhibiting no continuity with the ventricular systems. The radiological and clinical features of the tumour mimicked a PCA schwannoma.