PURPOSE: We reviewed a series of 14 cases of filum @entity424 and 264 cases in the literature, to study the characteristics of these @entity5 and specifically to determine factors influencing recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This series analyzed data between 1984 and 1998. The mean follow-up period was 5.5 years and the median age 40 years. @entity158 was the first symptom, except in one case, with progressive @entity51 . Four @entity1 had a myelography and a CT scan, and ten a MRI. All @entity1 were operated with a total resection in 12 cases. All @entity5 , except one, were a @entity424 . RESULTS: Clinical results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 8, stable in 2 and worse in 2. Two @entity1 had a recurrence after an initial sub-total resection, both were operated on again, followed by post-operative radiotherapy. Among the 278 filum @entity424 , removal was total in 200 (72%). A recurrence occurred in 15% of them after total removal, and in 43% after partial removal (p<0.001). Among @entity1 with partial removal, recurrence was observed in 33% of them if they had post-operative radiotherapy, and in 55% of them if they did not have post-operative radiotherapy (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The extent of @entity5 removal has a statistically significant effect upon recurrence. This review is in favor of post-operative radiotherapy in case of partial removal, but this systematic attitude can be discussed after a critical analysis of this study. Long term follow-up is mandatory due to the possibility of late recurrence.

[Factors influencing recurrence and role of radiotherapy in filum XXXX . 14 cases and review of the literature].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity424 :: ('MESH:D004806', 'Disease') :: ['myxopapillary ependymoma', 'terminale ependymoma'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumor', 'tumors'] @entity51 :: ('MESH:D009461', 'Disease') :: ['sensitive-motor deficit'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['Pain']
@entity424 :: (MESH:D004806,Disease) :: ['terminale ependymomas']
