Primary primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor of cauda equina with intracranial seeding.

Primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor (PNET) of the cauda equina is a rare entity. 18 cases have been reported in the literature so far, including 4 cases with intracranial seeding. Moreover parenchymal involvement of brain has never been reported as a form of intracranial seeding from PNET of the cauda equina. A 31 year-old female patient, with PNET of cauda equina showing intracranial seeding 6 months after surgery, is presented in this report. To our knowledge, this is the first adult case of spinal cord PNET with parenchymal involvement of brain. The histopathological, clinical and radiological findings as well as treatment of the patient were evaluated. Copyright 2004 Springer-Verlag