Histo: encapsulated neoplasm composed of proliferating fusiform Schwann
cells with (a)highly cellular dense regions (Antoni A) with reticulin
+ collagen, and (b)loose areas with widely separated cells (Antoni
B) in a reticulated myxoid matrix;
- common degenerative changes with cyst formation, vascular features,
lipid-laden foam cells -May be associated with:central neurofibromatosis
- Solitary intracranial schwannoma is associated with type 2 neurofibromatosis
in 5-25%! -Bilateral acoustic schwannomas allow a presumptive diagnosis
of type 2 neurofibromatosis! -long history of slowly progressive unilateral
sensorineural hearing loss affecting high-frequency sounds more severely
(in 95%) tinnitus diminished corneal reflex unsteadiness, vertigo,
ataxia, dizziness (<10%) pain
Doubling time:2 years
Location: (a)arises from within internal auditory canal (IAC) (b)may
arise in cerebellopontine angle cistern at opening of IAC (= porus
acusticus) with intracanalicular extension in 5%
Site:(a)in 85% from the vestibular portion of 8th nerve (around vestibular
ganglion of Scarpa / at the glial-Schwann cell junction) (b)in 15%
from the cochlear portion
-round mass centered on long axis of IAC forming acute angles with
petrous bone funnel-shaped component extending into IAC
- IAC enlargement / erosion (70-90%) widening / obliteration of ipsilateral
cerebellopontine -angle cistern shift / asymmetry of 4th ventricle
with hydrocephalus degenerative changes (cystic areas ± hemorrhage)
with tumors >2-3 cm
Plain film: erosion of IAC: a difference in canal height of >2
mm is abnormal + indicates a schwannoma in 93%
CT: isodense small / hypodense large solid tumor cyst formation in
tumor (= central necrosis) / adjacent to tumor (= extramural arachnoid
cyst) in 15% of large tumors
-usually uniformly dense tumor enhancement with small tumors (50%
may be missed without CECT) / ring enhancement with large tumors
- NO calcification intrathecal contrast / carbon dioxide insufflation
(for tumors <5 mm)
MR (most sensitive test with Gd-DTPA enhancement):
iso- / slightly hypointense on T1WI relative to brain intensely
enhancing homogeneous mass / ringlike enhancement (if cystic) after
Gd-DTPA hyperintense on T2WI (DDx: meningioma remains hypo- / isointense)
Angio:
- elevation + posterior displacement of anterior inferior cerebellar
artery (AICA) on basal view
- elevation of the superior cerebellar artery (large tumors) displacement
of basilar artery -anteriorly / posteriorly + contralateral side compression
/ posterior + lateral displacement of petrosal vein
- posterior displacement of choroid point of PICA vascular supply
frequently from external carotid artery branches rarely hypervascular
tumor with tumor blush
DDx:ossifying hemangioma (bony spiculations)