Case report

Faecal incontinence as presentation of an ependymomas of the spinal cord

Santhini Jeyarajah , Andrew King and Savvas Papagrigoriadis

Colorectal and Histology Department, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK

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World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2007, 5:107doi:10.1186/1477-7819-5-107

Published:	25 September 2007

Abstract

Background

Spinal tumours and ependymomas in particular are rare causes of cauda equina syndrome that present with faecal incontinence.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 45 year old gentleman who presents to a colorectal clinic with incontinence. We then present a review of ependymomas with particular reference to the symptoms they cause as well a review of the neurophysiology of faecal continence.

Conclusion

Suspicion for non-colonic causes for faecal incontinence should arise when there is absence of other etiologic factors. Establishment of the diagnosis of spinal tumours is with neurological examination and MRI spine.