Primary choroid plexus papilloma of the sacral nerve roots

The authors describe a unique case of a choroid plexus papilloma of the sacral nerve roots. This 60-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of a 1-year history of sacral pain, rectal and urinary bladder retention, and paradoxical episodic incontinence. Physical examination revealed sensory abnormalities in the S-2 dermatomes and poor rectal and bladder sphincter contractions. Contrast-enhanced spinal MR imaging showed a well-circumscribed, ovoid, homogeneously enhancing mass at the S1–2 level suggesting a diagnosis of ependymoma or schwannoma, and surgery allowed the identification and complete removal of a soft gray mass intimately adhering to the sacral nerve roots. Histological examination revealed a tumor consisting of papillary structures lined by a single layer of columnar cells, with an immunophenotype that satisfied the diagnostic criteria of choroid plexus papilloma. After diagnosis, contrast-enhanced brain MR imaging excluded the presence of a primary choroid plexus papilloma in the ...