Pictorial essay: diverse imaging features of spinal schwannomas

Abstract

In this pictorial review, we present diverse imaging features of spinal schwannomas with an idea to familiarize spine imagers with the varied spectrum of presentation of these tumors. Different types of spinal schwannomas presented include multiple schwannoma (n = 3), schwannoma with cystic degeneration (n = 3), schwannoma with hemorrhage (n = 2), melanotic schwannoma (n = 1), intraosseous schwannoma (n = 2), schwannoma growing into the foramen transversarium (n = 1), intramedullary schwannoma (n = 1), large or giant schwannoma (n = 1), malignant schwannoma (n = 2), and infarcted schwannoma (n = 1). We present imaging findings in these cases and review their differential diagnosis. Awareness of the uncommon presentations of these seemingly common tumors is important in offering a correct diagnosis.