Spinal surgery was performed.  The histology was of a spinal myxopapillary ependymoma.

Realistically, virtually nobody is going to see or call the subtle L2 posterior vertebral scalloping on the prior radiograph.

This is an example of a particularly large spinal ependymoma with cauda equina compression.

It makes for a good viva case in a fellowship exam as one can explore the candidate's knowledge on the differentials for an intradural extramedullary mass and posterior vertebral scalloping.

The candidate's ability to describe and methodically approach such a profound appearance may also be observed as well as the immediate clinical management.