Schwannoma of the brachial plexus: cross-sectional imaging diagnosis using CT, sonography, and MR imaging

Abstract

Primary brachial plexus tumors are rare, usually benign, and in general have a good prognosis after surgical excision. We present a case of a schwannoma in which sonography enabled the correct diagnosis of a probably benign brachial plexus tumor. Key to the diagnosis was the demonstration of a smooth-bordered, longish, and well-defined nodule along a brachial plexus nerve root. Cross-sectional imaging modalities that provide a high degree of soft tissue contrast and spatial resolution, such as sonography and MR imaging, were suitable methods to establish the correct preoperative diagnosis. Findings at CT, sonography, MR imaging, and surgery are discussed.

Major-nerve schwannomas versus intramuscular schwannomas

“…The frequency of the Tinel-like sign has been reported as being between 43.8% and 94.5% (1,9,14,16). In our series, it was 69.4%, which is significantly higher than that of the intramuscular schwannomas.…”

“…The morphologic features of tumors such as the target sign, inhomogeneous pattern, and homogeneous pattern have been generally indicated by T2-weighted images (11,16). Little is known about the correlation between morphologic features and histological findings (18).…”

Tumours of peripheral nerves in the upper extremity: A 22-year epidemiological study

“…Tumours in peripheral nerves in the upper extremity are uncommon and are among the less common group of swellings and neoplasms in the upper limb or hand [1,2]; the brachial plexus is less affected [3]. Fewer than 5% of all tumours of the hand involve peripheral nerve tumours [4].…”

Nodular fascitis in the thigh followed up using ultrasonography

“…Its development along the nerve is characteristic. 13 A liposarcoma is a large mass, which is often accompanied by abundant blood flow signals in both color and power Doppler imaging. 14 Fat necrosis appears as a highly reflective lesion on ultrasound, 15 rarely as a mass.…”