Pre-operative embolization, surgical resection, and follow-up evaluation of a giant intercostal schwannoma

Abstract

Intercostal schwannomas can present incidentally and lead to compressive thoracic symptoms. These slow-growing and benign tumors typically arise from intercostal nerves and are supplied by intercostal arteries, which may increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications with surgical resection. Due to the rarity of intercostal schwannomas, there exists no standardized management algorithms. Pre-operative angiography and embolization can supplement surgical thoracotomy and resection by decreasing intra-operative hemorrhage and minimizing the risk of anterior spinal cord hypoperfusion.

Keywords: Angiography; Coil embolization; Intercostal schwannoma; Posterior mediastinal mass; Thoracotomy.