Infratentorial ependymomas in children

Abstract

Objective - The aim of the study was to analyse the clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment, complications and outcome in paediatric patients with infratentorial ependymomas.

Patients and Methods - A retrospective analysis of 6 patients younger than 15 years and hospitalized for surgical treatment of infratentorial ependymomas was performed. The intracranial hypertension, neurological status, radiological CT or MRI findings, tumours localization, type of resection, hydrocephalus treatment, histopathology, complications and outcome were analysed.

Results - There were 6 (12%) of children with infratentorial ependymomas among the posteror cranial fossa tumours. The average age of the patients was 48±55 months. The average size of ependymomas was 42 mm. The most common neurological signs and symptoms before diagnostic procedures were high intracranial pressure and ataxia.

Conclusion - The best treatment option for infratentorial ependymomas is surgery with a complete resection whenever possible, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy taking into consideration the age of the patients and histological characteristics of the tumours.