Hyperalgesic Lumbosciatica Symptomatic of a Spinal Schwannoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal schwannomas also known as neurinomas are often benign slow growing lesion that may develop from Schwann cells of the spinal roots, it is a nerve sheath tumor. The authors reported a case of a patient presenting a hyperalgesic lumbosciatica symptomatic of a spinal schwannoma. Observation: A 36-year-old female patient, with a history of asthma under treatment was admitted to our department because of one year lasting of an intermittent fashion bilateral L5 hyperalgesic lumbosciatica. The initial examination has shown back muscles contractures and a segmental deficit of the right lower limb in L5 and S1, but no genital or sphincter disorders were noted. The lumbosacral CT scan was without particularity but the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intradural, extra medullary lesion at the level of L1-L2. A monobloc resection of the lesion was done. The follow-up is good. Pathology concluded in schwannoma WHO grade I classification. Conclusion: Lumbar neurinoma that grows slowly is most often manifested by a radiculalgia often hyperalgesic and disabling. MRI is the examination of choice to make the diagnosis and complete removal is possible.