Diagnosis and treatment of ependymoma of the cerebellopontine angle: a report of four cases

Objective: To investigate the clinical feature and management of ependymoma of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Methods: Between 2002 and 2012, 4 patients with ependymoma of the CPA were treated in the General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command. The clinical data, image manifestations, operation and histopathological features were retrospectively analyzed with reference to domestic and foreign literature. Results: The clinical manifestations of 4 patients were similar to those of other CPA tumors, but imaging and pathology showed otherwise. The ependymoma was totally resected under a surgical microscope in 3 cases, and was subtotally resected in the other one. All were followed up 12-60 months and benefited from good therapeutic effect. Conclusion: Ependymoma of the CPA is rare, correct diagnosis and treatment of which requires rich clinical experience. (authors)