Recurrence of spinal schwannomas in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: 

Spinal schwannomas are benign tumors usually attached to peripheral nerves, consisting of a clonal population of Schwann cells. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder that predominantly affects the skin, bone and nervous system. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a clinically and genetically distinct from neurofibromatosis type 2. This case report highlights the rare association between spinal schwannoma and neurofibromatosis type 1.

Case presentation: 

The patient with a past medical history of spinal schwannoma, operated 1 year back, presented with back pain, weakness of lower limbs and urge incontinence. On examination, she had cutaneous features suggestive of neurofibromatosis type 1 and there was impairment of all sensory modalities below hip region. MRI revealed spinal schwannoma at D9 level for which laminectomy with removal of schwannoma was performed.

Clinical discussion: 

The occurrence and recurrence of spinal schwannoma in neurofibromatosis type 2 is common finding. But such association has not been established between spinal schwannoma and neurofibromatosis type 1. In this case, the recurrence of spinal schwannoma has been linked to neurofibromatosis type 1 in the absence of other well-defined etiologies.

Conclusion: 

The occurrence of spinal schwannoma can be genetic or sporadic. The recurrence is usually associated with familial tumor syndrome. The available literature has not established association between neurofibromatosis type 1 and spinal schwannoma, thus, emphasizing the need of more focused studies .