Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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November 30, 2015
Intraventricular Schwannoma
- Background:
- Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors that are often found in extra-axial locations and commonly involve the eight cranial nerve.
- Intraventricular schwannomas, however, are exceedingly rare.
- Of the few cases of intraventricular schwannomas, it is noted that they present earlier in life.
- Clinical Presentation:
- Although clinical presentation depends on the location of the intraventricular schwannoma, patients commonly present with headaches, intracranial hypertension, seizures, and other focal neurological deficits.
- Key Diagnostic Features:
- No defining characteristic is noted of an intraventricular schwannoma on radiologic evaluation.
- It may be cystic in nature and may present with calcifications or perilesional edema and gliosis.
- It may enhance homogeneously or in-homogeneously post contrast administration.
- Differential Diagnosis:
- Meningiomas
- Choroid plexus papillomas or carcinomas
- Ependymomas
- Treatment:
- If possible, gross total resection of the tumor should be performed. Complications include obstructive hydrocephalus and sequestration of ventricular compartments.
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