Etymed
ependymoma
Definition
A tumor arising from the ependymal cells that line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with headache, nausea, and vomiting for 3 weeks. MRI of the brain shows a mass in the fourth ventricle with enhancement and obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumor is surgically resected and histopathology reveals sheets of polygonal cells with pseudorosettes and perivascular pseudorosettes. This tumor most commonly arises from the ependymal lining of the ventricular system.
Mnemonic
Ependymomas love ventricles - E-V for ependymoma ventricular tumors