GLIOMAS ARISING FROM THE REGION OF THE CAUDA EQUINA

Abstract

In a recent study,¹we investigated the primary tumors of the spinal cord, paying particular attention to their histologic structure. Since the cellular elements of the spinal cord are similar to those of the brain, we found, as had been anticipated, that the types of tumors were analogous. The present study is an attempt to classify, histologically, gliomas occurring in the region of the cauda equina and also to consider their clinical manifestations and the surgical procedures instituted for their relief. We did not study any tumors arising from the extradural filum terminale, known as the coccygeal ligament, but only those found within the dural sheath and arising from the region of the cauda equina. Most of the gliomas which occurred in the region of the cauda equina arose either from the conus medullaris or from the intradural filum terminale, although it is possible that some at least could