BACKGROUND: Spinal cord tumors represent 10% to 15% of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms. In adults, Glial tumors account for at least 80% of intramedullary tumors in most series. These tumors are predominantly astrocytomas and ependymomas; the latter are more common . Approximately 36% of tumors were located in the cervical cord. OBJECTIVE : We aimed to outline the prognostic factors that affect the final outcome of cervical cord ependymoma surgeries. PATIENTS and METHODS : twenty one patients with cervical ependymomas underwent surgery between march 2009-march 2014, 13 men and 8 women , Ages are (26-62) years with a mean age of 41 years. The neurological status before surgery, 1 month after the operation and at the most recent examination were assessed based on the grading system of McCormick outcome of the neurological status in the long term follow-up period, estimated comparing the pre-operative neurological status and the most recent status, was classified into ``improved'', ``unchanged'', ``deteriorated'' and ``death'' . The RESULTS : We have 61.9% of patients with total resection, 23.8 % Sub total and 14.3% partial resection or biopsy. We had 9 patients Improved (42.9%) , 5 patients with no change (25.8%) . 6 patients deteriorated (28.6%) and 1 died (4.8 %) . We found a significant correlation between the pre-operative state and the final functional outcome, that, the better the preoperative state the better outcome, There is statistically relevant correlation between the recurrence and the degree of resection . CONCLUSIONS : The spinal cord tumors can be treated safely and effectively by surgery. Total resection must be the essential aim before surgery and must be tried whenever possible. Preoperative neurological state and degree of resection are the most important factors that affected the final outcome .
Key words: cervical cord epyndymoma, prognostic factors, outcome
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