The Roentgen Diagnosis of Neurinoma of the Thorax

Abstract

Neurinomas of the thoracic wall are of rare occurrence, as has been pointed out by Lenk and by Kienboock and Roosler (1932). We were able in the literature available to us to find but a single case resembling the one recorded here, namely, that reported by Canigiani (1931). He describes a roentgen shadow similar in shape and form to that in our patient, but situated somewhat lower in the chest. It was at first attributed to an encapsulated pleurisy; later to an echinococcus cyst or neurofibroma. The latter diagnosis was considered more probable because of the presence of a cutaneous neurofibromatosis with multiple pigmented spots, and proved at operation to be correct. Case 1: A thirty-seven-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of echinococcus cyst of the lung. Her chief complaints were general weakness, pain beneath the left scapula, high evening temperature, and night sweats. Physical examination revealed nothing of significance. The blood count was as follows: red cells 3,920,00...