A CASE OF INTRATHORACIC SCHWANNOMA ARISING IN THE VAGUS NERVE WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS 2 (BILATERAL ACOUSTIC NEUROMAS)

Abstract

A case of intrathoracic schwannoma originating from the vagus nerve with neurofibromatosis 2 (bilateral acoustic neuromas) was reported.In this case in a 39-year-old man, intrathoracic schwannoma was found as a mediastinal tumor by annual check-up with chest roentgenography. After that, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus and sudden deafness occurred. Brain CT scan revealed bilateral acoustic tumors. Because of possible enlargement of the tumor, extirpation of the mediastinal tumor with combined resection of the vagus nerve was performed at our department. Histologically it was an intrathoracic schwannoma arising in the vagus nerve. Two months later when he transferred to the department of neurosugery, total removal of the right acoustic tumor alone was carried out in order to preserve auditory power. Histologically it was an acoustic neuroma.Neurofibromatosis 2 is commonly associated with central nervous system tumors such as meningiomas or spinal tumors, in that this case is rare in its association of mediastinal schwannoma.Based on natures of mediastinal schwannoma and bilateral acoustic neuromas, postoperative severe complications such as deafness, hoarsness, and facial palsy can be inferred, but good prognosis can be expected for this patient.