Paul C. McCormick, M.D., MPH

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York

Abstract: Ependymomas are the most commonly occurring intramedullary spinal cord tumor in adults. With few exceptions these tumors are histologically benign, although they exhibit some biologic variability with respect to growth rate. While unencapsulated, spinal ependymomas are non-infiltrative and present a clear margin of demarcation from the surrounding spinal cord that serves as an effective dissection plane. This video demonstrates the technique of microsurgical resection of an intramedullary ependymoma through a posterior midline myelotomy.

Paul C. McCormick, M.D., MPH, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York. Email: pcm6@columbia.edu.

Watch some of our patients try to pronounce "ependymoma" and learn what it is!

FRENCH CHAMPAGNE SPILLS DROPS -MNEMONIC FOR EPENDYMOMA WITH DROP METASTASIS

This video is part of a multi-part series reviewing new changes incorporated into the new 5th edition of the WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system. This video utilizes a case-based format to review important changes in the classification of ependymomas.

Ependymomas are glial cell tumors that commonly arise in the lining cells of the ventricular system, and less commonly outside the central nervous system (CNS), or within the brain parenchyma. They are comprised of genetically distinct subgroups of tumors and affect children more commonly than adults.

Based on the cIMPACT-NOW update 7

Tour bony spine, look at the T spinal canal and tumor