A separate-dural-incision method of extradural dumbbell spinal schwannoma resection: cumulative experience at a single center.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in the surgical management of completely extradural dumbbell spinal schwannomas with a new surgical strategy. METHOD: This study is a case series of patients treated at the Neurosurgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, between January 2018 and June 2021. RESULTS: 24 patients met the inclusion criteria, with cervical and lumbar spines being the most frequent locations. All patients underwent surgical treatment. Total gross resection was accomplished in all patients. Two cases had numbness and no case exhibited motor deficit. There was no postoperative CSF leakage or wound infection. CONCLUSION: Based on a limited number of observations, we conclude that our technique was feasible and effective for the treatment of extradural dumbbell spinal schwannomas. CLINICAL TRIAL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/ , No. ChiCTR2400086171.

Management of neurofibromatosis type 2 and schwannomatosis associated peripheral and intraspinal schwannomas: influence of surgery, genetics, and localization.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral and intraspinal schwannomas are common and clinically complex pathologies in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and Schwannomatosis (SWNT). Functional preservation and pain relief are the major goals in treating these tumors. METHODS: This retrospective observational study investigates the clinical and functional outcome of 205 operated peripheral (n = 148, 72%) and intraspinal (n = 57, 28%) schwannomas in 85 patients (53 NF2, 32 SWNT) treated at our department between 2006 and 2017. Associated factors such as genetics, age, and location were evaluated. RESULTS: Persisting drug-resistant pain was the most common symptom (84%, n = 173) and indication for surgery (54%, n = 110). Improvement in pain intensity was postoperatively seen in 81%. Peripheral nerve schwannomas exhibited worse pain intensity preoperatively compared to intraspinal lesions (p = 0.017 NF2, p = 0.029 SWNT). More total resections could be achieved in 93% of SWNT vs. 82% of NF2-associated tumors, p = 0.030). NF2 patients with intraspinal lesions were more neurologically affected (p < 0.05). Perioperative comparison of both tumor syndromes showed more neurological deficits (p = 0.027), and less pain (p = 0.024) in NF2-associated tumors. Mosaic NF2 patients had worse pain levels before surgery, and SWNT patients had a worse neurological function and more pain compared to non-mosaic or non-mutated cases. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of peripheral and intraspinal schwannomas is an effective and low-risk treatment in both NF2 and SWNT. Patients with severe pain have a particular benefit from surgical treatment. Intraspinal lesions are associated with worse neurological function whereas peripheral lesions showed a higher pain intensity. The influence of mutations needs to be further investigated in larger cohorts.

Do Tumour Size, Type and Localisation Affect Resection Rate in Patients with Spinal Schwannoma?

Background and Objectives: Spinal schwannomas are benign tumours that can present with various symptoms such as pain, radiculopathy and neurological deficit. Gross total resection (GTR) is of key importance for local recurrence. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, resection rate, clinical outcome, as well as tumour recurrence, in patients with non-syndromic spinal schwannomas and to clarify which factors affect the resection rate. Materials and Methods: Patients with non-syndromic spinal schwannomas that underwent surgical resection between January 2009 and December 2018 at a single institution were included. Demographic parameters, clinical symptoms, tumour localisation and size, surgical approach and complications were noted. Factors influencing the extent of resection, the surgeon's decision regarding the approach and the occurrence of new postoperative deficits were evaluated. Results: Fifty patients (18 females) were included. The most common presenting symptom was radiculopathy (88%). The lumbar spine was the most commonly affected site (58%). Laminotomy (72%) was the preferred surgical approach overall and specifically for exclusively intraspinal schwannomas (p = 0.02). GTR was achieved in 76.0% (n = 38). In multivariate analysis, only tumour localisation within the spinal canal (p = 0.014) independently predicted GTR, whereas the type of approach (p = 0.50) and tumour volume (p = 0.072) did not. New postoperative persisting deficits could not be predicted by any factor, including the use and alteration of intraoperative neuromonitoring. Recurrence was observed in four cases (8%) and was significantly higher in cases with STR (p = 0.04). Conclusions: In this retrospective study, GTR was solely predicted by tumour localisation within the spinal canal. The decision regarding the utilisation of different surgical approaches was solely influenced by the same factor. No factor could predict new persisting deficits. Tumour recurrence was higher in STR.

Cervical schwannoma in the early stage of pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although spinal schwannomas generally grow very slowly, it has been reported that these clinical growths and their associated neurological symptoms accelerate during pregnancy. Because these cases are rare, surgical intervention for this tumor during pregnancy poses a significant challenge. The change of pregnancy-related hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, is considered to have an effect on the clinical symptoms of spinal tumors. Expressions of the receptors for estrogen and progesterone in orbital and vestibular schwannomas have been reported; however, those expressions in spinal schwannomas have not been examined. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old woman at 8 weeks' gestation suffered from developing neck pain and neurological symptoms in the right upper extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a cervical intradural extramedullary tumor. Under general anesthesia, using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), spinal tumor resection following a hemi-laminoplasty was performed in a prone position at 12 weeks gestation. The pathological diagnosis following surgery was spinal schwannoma. Her neurological symptoms were significantly improved after surgery and she delivered a healthy baby in her 40th week of pregnancy. At a 12-month follow-up, no abnormalities were observed during medical examinations of both mother and child. An immunohistochemical study identified the expression of estrogen receptors, but not progesterone receptors, in the spinal schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS: A cervical spinal schwannoma was successfully removed under general anesthesia at 12 weeks gestation by coordination between orthopaedic, obstetric and anesthesia teams. For the first time, an immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of estrogen receptors was identified in spinal schwannoma cells, suggesting the possibility that these hormone receptors in spinal schwannoma might contribute to the worsening of neurological symptoms during pregnancy.

Concurrent intradural meningioma and schwannoma at the same lumbar level in a patient without neurofibromatosis: a case report.

Spinal schwannomas coexisting with meningiomas in patient without neurofibromatosis are extremely rare lesions. Here we present a case of 59-year-old patient with concurrent spinal meningioma and schwannoma at L1-L2 spinal level. This is the first case of the concurrent intradural tumours at the same lumbar level.

Intracranial Epidural Haematoma following Surgical Removal of a Giant Lumbosacral Schwannoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Postoperative intracranial epidural haematoma (EDH) is an extremely rare complication following spinal surgery, with only a handful of cases described in the literature. We report the case of a 16-year-old girl who underwent a successful subtotal resection of a giant lumbosacral schwannoma (L2-S2 level). Recovery from general anaesthesia was uneventful; however, her neurological status deteriorated rapidly within 24 h after surgery. A head computed tomography scan revealed a large right frontoparietal EDH with midline shift. An immediate frontotemporoparietal osteoplastic craniotomy and evacuation of the EDH were performed. At 1 year postoperatively, the patient regained full neurological recovery with no radiological signs of growth of the residual tumour.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes Following Surgical Treatment of Spinal Schwannomas: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Spinal schwannomas are the second most common form of primary intradural spinal tumor. Despite being benign, they may cause spinal cord compression and subsequently acute or chronic neurological dysfunction. The primary treatment is surgical resection. The aim of this study was to identify pre- and postoperative predictors of favorable outcomes after surgical treatment for spinal schwannoma. All adult patients surgically treated for spinal schwannoma between 2006 and 2020 were eligible for inclusion. Medical records and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome measures were neurological improvement according to the modified McCormick Scale (mMC) and changes in motor deficit, sensory deficit, gait disturbance, bladder dysfunction, and pain at long-term follow-up. In total, 180 patients with a median follow-up time of 4.4 years were included. Pain was the most common presenting symptom (87%). The median time between symptom presentation and surgery was 12 months, while the median time between diagnosis (first MRI) and surgery was 3 months. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 150 (83%) patients and the nerve root could be preserved in 133 (74%) patients. A postoperative complication occurred in 10 patients (5.6%). There were significant postoperative improvements in terms of motor, sensory, gait, and bladder functions, as well as pain (p < 0.001). Of these symptoms, bladder dysfunction was the one most often improved, with complete symptom resolution in all cases. However, no other predictors of improvement could be identified. There were three cases of recurrence after GTR and nine cases of regrowth after STR. Reoperation was performed in six (3.3%) cases. GTR was associated with a significant improvement in neurological status at long-term follow-up and increased the chance of progression-free survival.

A Rare Case of Hepatic Schwannoma in the Setting of Schwannomatosis.

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors commonly found in the head, neck, vestibular system, and extremities. Primary hepatic schwannomas are exceptionally rare, with 34 cases reported to date according to our review of the literature. This case report describes a 79-year-old man with a medical history of skin and thyroid cancer, who presented with no clinical symptoms and underwent a follow-up MRI due to an initial scan indicating a suspicious hepatic mass resembling an atypical hemangioma. The MRI revealed a 3.6 cm left hepatic mass concerning for an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies of a biopsy of the liver mass confirmed the presence of a benign hepatic schwannoma. Further evaluation revealed multiple spinal schwannomas, leading to the diagnosis of schwannomatosis. The diagnosis of hepatic schwannomas poses challenges through imaging alone. This case underscores the importance of microscopic evaluation in accurately diagnosing hepatic masses. Additionally, the presence of concurrent schwannomas should be considered in patients initially diagnosed with isolated schwannomas.

Unilateral hemilaminectomy vs. laminoplasty for the resection of spinal schwannomas: an analysis of 100 patients.

Objective: Spinal schwannomas are the most common intradural extramedullary tumors, and their complete removal is recommended to avoid tumor recurrence. Although laminoplasty provides a sufficient window for tumor resection, this approach may increase tissue trauma and cause postoperative instability compared with unilateral hemilaminectomy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and clinical outcomes of the two approaches. Materials and methods: We included 100 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral hemilaminectomy or laminoplasty for resection of spinal schwannomas between January 2015 and February 2023. The patients' baseline characteristics, including sex, age, tumor location, percentage of tumor occupying the intradural space, operative time, postoperative length of hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding volume, visual analog scale score, and neurologic results, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Hemilaminectomy patients who underwent unilateral hemilaminectomy had smaller intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.020) volume, shorter operative time (p = 0.012), and shorter postoperative length of hospital stay (p = 0.044). The mean VAS scores at the last follow-up were similar between the two groups (p = 0.658). Although the postoperative McCormick and Karnofsky Performance scores were not significantly different between the laminoplasty and unilateral hemilaminectomy groups (p = 0.687 and p = 0.649, respectively), there was a statistically significant improvement based on postoperative neurological results compared to preoperative neurological results for both groups. The incidence of postoperative complications was 5% and 11.7% in the unilateral hemilaminectomy and laminoplasty groups, respectively (p = 0.308). Conclusions: For spinal schwannoma resection, unilateral hemilaminectomy has more advantages than laminoplasty, including a shorter postoperative hospital stay, faster procedure, and less intraoperative blood loss while achieving the same desired result.

Analysis of the current status and hot topics in spinal schwannoma imaging research based on bibliometrics.

Objective: This study aims to explore the current hot topics and future research trends in spinal schwannoma imaging research, providing a reference for related studies and promoting the development of spinal schwannoma imaging. Methods: We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science database using the search terms (((TS = (Spinal schwannoma)) AND TS = (Imaging)) OR TS = (Spinal schwannoma)) AND TS = (image) to retrieve relevant articles. The collected data, including authors, keywords, journals, countries, institutions, and references, were subjected to visual analysis using the visualization software CiteSpace 6.4.2R and VOSviewer 1.6.19. Results: A total of 310 relevant articles were identified. After further screening based on time limits, inclusion, and exclusion criteria, 179 articles were included in the study, consisting of 132 original articles and 42 reviews. These articles were authored by 1,034 authors from 35 countries and 324 institutions and were published in 82 different journals. The included articles cited a total of 6,583 references from 1,314 journals. Conclusion: Although the field of spinal schwannoma imaging research is not a popular research area in the medical community, there has been an increasing international interest in this field in recent years. While China ranks high in terms of the number of published articles, there is still a gap in terms of the quality and research level compared to developed countries in Europe and America. MRI, as the gold standard for diagnosing spinal schwannomas, is expected to be a research hotspot in terms of feature analysis, enhancement characteristics, and quantitative analysis. It is also hoped that China can increase its investment in research and contribute to the field by publishing high-quality articles in the future.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Return to Work after Surgery for Spinal Schwannoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Spinal schwannomas are the second most common primary intradural spinal tumor. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work after the surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas. HRQoL was compared to a sample of the general population. Patients operated for spinal schwannomas between 2006 and 2020 were identified in a previous study and those alive at follow-up (171 of 180) were asked to participate. Ninety-four (56%) responded and were included in this study. Data were compared to the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the general population. An analysis for any potential non-response bias was performed and showed no significant differences between the groups. HRQoL was equal between the spinal schwannoma sample and the general population sample in all but one dimension; men in the spinal schwannoma sample reported more moderate problems in the usual activities dimension than men in the general population (p = 0.020). In the schwannoma sample, there were no significant differences between men and women in either of the dimensions EQ-5Dindex or EQVAS. Before surgery, a total of 71 (76%) were working full-time and after surgery almost all (94%) returned to work, most of them within 3 months of surgery. Eighty-nine (95%) of the patients responded that they would accept the surgery for their spinal schwannoma if asked again today. To conclude, surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas is associated with good HRQoL and with a high frequency of return to work.

Scoring model to predict postoperative neurological deterioration in spinal schwannoma.

Background: Spinal schwannomas (SSs) are benign tumors affecting the nerve sheath, accounting for 25% of spinal nerve root tumors. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment for SS patients. Following surgery, approximately 30% of patients experienced developed new or worsening neurological deterioration, which probably represented an inevitable complication of nerve sheath tumor surgery. The objective of this study was to identify the rates of new or worsening neurological deterioration in our center and accurately predict the neurological outcomes of patients with SS by developing a new scoring model. Methods: A total of 203 patients were retrospectively enrolled at our center. Risk factors associated with postoperative neurological deterioration were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. ß-coefficients for independent risk factors were used to define a numerical score to generate a scoring model. The validation cohort at our center was used to verify the accuracy and reliability of the scoring model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the scoring model. Results: In this study, five measured variables were selected for the scoring model: duration of preoperative symptoms (1 point), radiating pain (2 points), tumor size (2 points), tumor site (1 point), and dumbbell tumor (1 point). The scoring model divided the spinal schwannoma patients into three categories: low risk (0-2 points), intermediate risk (3-5 points), and high risk (6-7 points), with predicted risks of neurological deterioration of 8.7%, 36%, and 87.5%, respectively. And the validation cohort confirmed the model with the predicted risks of 8.6%, 46.4%, and 66.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The new scoring model might intuitively and individually predict the risk of neurological deterioration and may aid individualized treatment decision-making for SS patients.

Modified Unilateral Approach for Ventrally Located Spinal Tumors.

Surgery on spinal tumors becomes challenging when the tumor is ventral to the spinal cord. Conventionally, we approach it posteriorly through bilateral laminectomy and rotate the cord after sectioning the dentate ligament and nerve roots. However, manipulating the cord can be hazardous, and a long bilateral laminectomy can be invasive. Meanwhile, a narrow operative field and a limited lateral viewing angle in a unilateral approach constrained the surgeon. To overcome these problems, we previously reported a technique of modified unilateral approach where we incised the skin and the fascia horizontally and placed a pair of retractors longitudinally.The current article reports our experience applying this approach in 15 patients with ventrally located spinal tumors. The approach was performed on 10 schwannomas, 2 meningiomas, and 3 others. We evaluated paraspinal muscle atrophy on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging.The modified unilateral approach provided an excellent surgical field for removing ventrally located tumors. Gross total removal was achieved in 11 patients (92% of benign tumors). No neurological complications occurred except for one case of transient weakness. We encountered no wound-related late complications such as pain or deformity. The reduction of the cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles on the approach side (compared to the nonapproach side) was 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-1.06), indicating 7% atrophy (statistically nonsignificant, p = 0.48).We believe this simple technique can be useful for removing spinal tumors located ventral to the spinal cord.

Factors Related to the Deterioration of Postoperative Lower Back Pain in Hemilaminectomy Approach for Lumbar Spinal Schwannoma Resection.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the related risk factors in patients who underwent hemilaminectomy for lumbar spinal schwannoma resection and who experienced deterioration of postoperative lower back pain in comparison to preoperative pain levels. Methods: This retrospective study recruited 61 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of An Hui Medical University between January 2018 and June 2019. All data were collected from clinical records and analyzed at 1-month and at 1-year follow-up. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain, and neurologic function was assessed using the Modified McCormick Scale. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was used to assess neuronal integrity and mitigate injury. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the SPSS version 19 software. Results: Preoperative pain improved dramatically in the 1-year follow-up (VAS: preoperative, 3.84±2.19; 1-year follow-up, 2.13±2.26; P<0.001). The pain-improved group and worsened group showed a significant difference at 1-month (VAS: 1.76±1.56; 5.54±1.26; P<0.05) and at 1-year (VAS: 0.83±1.09; 4.80±1.58; P<0.05) follow-up. The pain-improved and worsened groups had a significant difference in tumor size and hemilaminectomy removal segments at 1-month and 1-year follow-up, but A-train occurrence on electromyography could only be seen as a statistical difference in the 1-month follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that tumor size was an independent risk factor for postoperative lower back pain deterioration. Conclusion: The hemilaminectomy approach is a safe and effective method that can dramatically relieve pain in spinal lumbar schwannoma resection. Tumor size is an independent risk factor for postoperative lower back pain. A-train on spontaneous electromyography has been shown to be a reliable predictive factor for the evaluation of postoperative lower back pain. However, further detailed analysis of A-train characteristics can provide a more accurate warning during surgery.

Laminectomy triggers symptomatic growth of spinal schwannoma in a patient with schwannomatosis.

Background: Schwannomatosis (SWN) is genetically similar to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and represents a NF2 gene mutation. Previous studies have shown that these mutations in both neurons and Schwann cells can lead to the development of schwannomas after nerve crush injuries. Here, we reviewed the potential pathoanatomical mechanisms for the development of a trauma-induced spinal schwannomas in a 55-year-old male with SWN. Case Description: A 49-year-old male had originally undergone a L3-L5 lumbar laminectomy for stenosis; the schwannomas seen on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were not resected. Now at age 55, he newly presented with low back pain and numbness in the left L5 dermatome, and he was diagnosed with an L4 vertebral level cauda equina tumor on MRI. Following gross-total resection, the histopathological assessment revealed a Ki-67 labeling index 5-10% in hotspots (i.e., slightly higher than the normal range of schwannomas) and a 20% mosaic loss of SMARCB1. Based on these criteria, he was diagnosed as having SWN. Conclusion: In this patient with SWN, compression/physical trauma to nerves of the cauda equina during the L3-L5 laminectomy 6 years ago likely caused the progression of schwannoma.

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt for normal pressure hydrocephalus patient exacerbates cord symptoms due to spinal tumor.

Background: Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and spinal intradural extramedullary benign tumors rarely exist together. Here, a 72-year-old female who presented with NPH symptoms (i.e., gait disturbance and dementia) newly developed symptoms of spinal cord compression attributed to a previously undiagnosed schwannoma. Case Description: A 72-year-old female was diagnosed with NPH without disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus. The lumbar puncture revealed an elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level of 0.141 g/dl, but with normal pressure. The patient's NPH symptoms improved after lumbar-peritoneal shunt placement. However, a year later, she subacutely developed a progressive Brown-Sequard syndrome. On the cervical magnetic resonance (MR), an intradural extramedullary lesion was found at the C5-C6 level which at surgery, proved to be a schwannoma. A review of this patient and three others with NPH and intradural extramedullary benign tumors revealed that 4.3 months following CSF shunting for NPH, they developed rapidly progressive cord deficits, attributed to their benign spinal tumors. Conclusion: Before the placement of shunts for NPH, patients should undergo holospinal MR imaging studies to rule out attendant spinal intradural extramedullary tumors.

Small L4 ventral root schwannoma with acute onset of radicular pain: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cauda equina schwannomas usually present with slowly progressive radiculopathy. Herein, we describe a 34-year-old male who presented with acute radiculopathy attributed to a small L4 ventral root schwannoma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 34-year-old male suddenly developed left leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (with/without contrast) revealed a small intradural mass lesion involving the L4 nerve root that was enhanced with contrast (size: 9 × 12 × 12 mm). The computed tomography myelogram revealed that the tumor had originated from the L4 ventral root and compressed the dorsal root in the lateral recess. Following a decompressive laminectomy for tumor removal, the patient's radicular pain improved. The histological diagnosis was consistent with a schwannoma. CONCLUSION: Small cauda equina schwannomas involving ventral nerve roots can cause acute radiculopathy readily relieved with decompressive laminectomies for tumor excision.

Schwannoma of the lumbar spine, presenting with pain of the knee, like an osteoid osteoma, in a 10-year-old girl.

Localized pain in the absence of local lesion may represent referred pain from the spine, in a child, arising from a benign spinal schwannoma. It can be diagnosed by MRI. Surgical excision of the tumor relieves the symptoms.

Acute Neurologic Deterioration in Mobile Spinal Schwannoma.

BACKGROUND: Spinal schwannomas are commonly presented with minor symptoms, including radicular pain, sensory deficits, and minor neurologic deficit. Acute neurologic deterioration is uncommon. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this study, a case of cauda equina schwannoma presented with acute neurologic deficit after movement of spinal schwannoma is presented. CONCLUSIONS: It is noted that movement of spinal schwannoma and resultant acute neurologic deterioration should be considered during the follow-up.

Cauda equina schwannoma presenting with subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhage: Its underlying mechanism.

BACKGROUND: A patient presented with a spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and subdural hematoma (SDH) attributed to a spinal schwannoma at the T12-L1 level. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 67-year-old male acutely presented with severe back pain and L1 paraparesis/sensory loss, with urinary incontinence. CT/MR studies showed a spinal SAH and SDH within a likely T12-L1 schwannoma. At surgery, the hemorrhage within the tumor was continuous through the lower pole of the tumor into the subarachnoid and subdural spaces; tumor was dissected away from the surrounding tissues and totally removed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the preoperative neurological deficits gradually resolved. Histopathologically, the lesion was a schwannoma with intratumoral hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the rare acute presentation of a T12-L1 schwannoma with an accompanying intratumoral hemorrhage resulting in both a SDH/SAH.