Schwanomma From Cervical Sympathetic Chain Ganglion - A Rare Presentation

Abstract

Schwanommas arising from cervical sympathetic chain are tumours that are rare in occurrence. These lesions are usually difficult to differentiate from a vagal schwanomma and a carotid body tumour during the initial workup. In this report, a rarely seen huge cervical sympathetic chain schwanomma case with partial Horner's syndrome is being presented in detail, which to our known knowledge, is one of the few cases reported in literature.

Keywords: Horner’s syndrome; Magnetic resonance angiogram; Ptosis; Splaying.

[Table/Fig-1a-c]:

(a) posterior extent of the swelling; (b) anterior extent of the swelling; (c) lateral view of the swelling

[Table/Fig-2a,b]:

MRI and MRA picture of the patient: a) 5.2x6.4 cm heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue density lesion with central non-enhancing areas noted in the left carotid space extending into the parapharyngeal space, b) swelling in the left carotid space pushing the carotids anterolaterally

[Table/Fig-3]:

Gross specimen showing the schwanomma excised completely with the capsule

[Table/Fig-4]:

Patient with ptosis of eyelid in the postoperative period

[Table/Fig-5]:

Histopathology showing features of schwanomma