Myxopapillary Ependymoma of the Filum Terminale: MRI Imaging Features, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Keywords: Myxopapillary ependymoma, filum terminale tumor, spinal ependymoma MRI, intradural extramedullary tumor, pediatric spinal tumor, cauda equina compression, CSF dissemination, spinal cord neoplasm Introduction Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a distinct histopathological variant of ependymoma that predominantly arises from the filum terminale and conus medullaris region . Although traditionally classified as a World Health Organization (WHO) Grade I tumor , accumulating evidence suggests that MPE—particularly in pediatric populations—may demonstrate aggressive biological behavior , including local recurrence and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination . This article provides a comprehensive, expert-level review of Myxopapillary ependymoma, integrating pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, differential diagnosis, diagnostic approach, treatment strategies, and prognosis , with a case-based MRI illustration drawn directly from ...