Solitary schwannoma of the sural nerve: An unusual clinical presentation
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- Published online on: November 8, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.1395
- Pages: 90-92
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Abstract
Schwannomas may arise from any peripheral nerve containing Schwann cells. However, sural nerve schwannoma is extremely rare. In this study, a case of solitary schwannoma originating from the sural nerve in a 42‑year‑old male is presented. Physical examination revealed a 3‑cm, elastic‑hard, mobile, non‑tender mass, while neurovascular examinations, including Tinel's sign, were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an oval‑shaped subcutaneous mass with iso‑signal intensity relative to skeletal muscle on T1‑weighted sequences. T2‑weighted spectral presaturation with inversion recovery sequences showed higher signal intensity peripherally and lower signal intensity centrally, representing a target sign. Contrast‑enhanced T1‑weighted sequences demonstrated a marked central enhancement of the mass. The tumor was completely enucleated using an intracapsular technique. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma, consisting mainly of Antoni A tissue. The patient had no evidence of local recurrence and no neurological deficit at the final follow‑up. Although rare, schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a well‑defined, oval, subcutaneous mass in the posterior aspect of the lower leg.
