Spinal schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors that occur within the spinal canal and are composed primarily of Schwann cells of spinal nerve roots ^1-6. When they are intraspinal and extend for two or more vertebral segments, they are called giant intraspinal schwannomas ^4,5.

This case illustrates the MRI findings of a giant intraspinal lumbar schwannoma, align with the long axis of the cord, forming a sausage-shaped mass, extending over several levels, and with posterior scalloping of the vertebral body. This is a case of a pathology-proven schwannoma with the typical histologic features of Antoni type A and Antoni type B areas.

Case courtesy

• Sterfferson Morais, MD - PGY-3, radiology resident, Department of Radiology
• Claudionor Segundo, MD – PGY-5, neurosurgery resident, Department of Neurosurgery
• Luiz Severo Bem Junior MD – PGY-5, neurosurgery resident, Department of Neurosurgery
• Geraldo Sá MD – neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery
• Ana Lúcia A Brito MD – pathologist, Department of Pathology
• Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto, MD - radiologist, Department of Radiology

Hospital da Restauração – Recife, PE – Brazil