1/2. Primary medulla oblongata germinoma: a case report and review of the literature.We describe a case of primary intracranial medulla oblongata germinoma in a 16-year-old girl who presented with progressive headache and blurred vision. magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a heterogeneous exophytic mass arising from dorsal aspect of medulla oblongata with extension into fourth ventricle. The differential diagnosis for this patient had included ependymoma, exophytic glioma, medulloblastoma and choroid plexus papilloma. After surgical resection and radiation therapy, she remains alive and recurrence-free for 7 years.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = ependymoma (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Signet-ring cell ependymoma with intratumoral hemorrhage in the medulla oblongata.We report a case of signet-ring cell ependymoma of the medulla oblongata. The patient presented with acute paralysis of the soft palate and absent gag reflex resulting in respiratory distress after accidental inhalation of water. MRI revealed a large intra-axial mass with foci of intratumoral hemorrhage in the medulla oblongata. A subtotal resection was performed as histopathological findings on the frozen section were consistent with metastatic carcinoma. However, the final paraffin section showed an ependymoma with signet-ring cells. A total removal was then performed with preservation of the lower cranial nerves. Postoperatively, the patient made a slow but steady recovery, and was able to swallow both water and food within 3 months. Signet-ring cell ependymoma must be included in the differential diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma to the central nervous system.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 7keywords = ependymoma (Clic here for more details about this article) |