Preferential sites of metastatic relapse on MRI of initially localized ependymoma in children

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Mika Shapira Rootman, Osnat Konen, Iris Fried, Helen Toledano
ObjectiveRelapse of ependymoma in childhood portends a grave prognosis. While the detection of local recurrence is usually simple, spotting leptomeningeal metastasis might be challenging. We aimed to evaluate possible "hotspots" where metastasis tend to appear.Materials and methodsMedical records and Magnetic Resonance (MR) studies of all patients diagnosed with brain ependymomas between the years 2000–2015 were reviewed.ResultsLeptomeningeal spread was detected among 42% of relapsed patients. The most common sites were spine and hypothalamic area (26% each).ConclusionA meticulous assessment of the brain and spine including a thorough evaluation of the hypothalamic area is recommended.



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