Cervical intradural intramedullary collision tumor of schwannoma and hemangioblastoma origin

Abstract

Background: Primary spinal tumors are rare benign lesions that represent around 2-4% of all central nervous system neoplasms.[1,2] Intradural intramedullary tumors are predominately glial in origin and are most commonly astrocytomas or ependymomas. Intradural extramedullary tumors, on the other hand, are usually neurofibromas, schwannomas, or meningiomas.[2] Here, we report the case of an intradural intramedullary collision tumor of schwannoma-hemangioblastoma origin.

Case description: A 61-year-old female presented with a 2-year history of the right arm numbness, weakness, and tingling. She reported some lower extremity numbness but an otherwise normal neurological examination. She had a prior carpal tunnel release that did not alleviate her symptoms. Noncontrast MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated a holocord syrinx from C2 to C7 and spondylolisthesis from C4 to C5. MRI with contrast then displayed an enhancing nodule behind the vertebral body of C4. A standard posterior approach and subperiosteal dissection were performed. Lateral mass screws were placed at C3-C5, and the laminectomy was performed en bloc. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to locate the lesion, and intraoperative dorsal column mapping was used to identify the midline before performing a midline myelotomy. The arachnoid over the lesion was opened and an extracapsular dissection was performed. Hemostasis was obtained, and a watertight dural closure was performed.

Conclusion: The patient tolerated the procedure well and achieved relief from cervical myelopathy symptoms. Pathology indicated positive biomarkers for S-100, SOX10, and NSE indicating a schwannoma hemangioblastoma collision tumor. This is unusual in its nature given two benign lesions with differing underlying cell types of origin.

Keywords: Collision tumor; Hemangioblastoma; Intradural intramedullary; Schwannoma; Spinal tumor.