Malignant juxtadrenal schwannoma

We believe we report the first case of malignant juxtadrenal schwannoma. This rare tumor was discovered incidentally in a patient who presented with fever, mental confusion, weight loss, leukocytosis, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Preoperative radiographic and endocrine evaluations were suggestive of a nonfunctioning adrenal tumor. Its suprarenal location was unequivocally demonstrated by CT scan, sonography, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging studies. Angiography revealed that the tumor derived its blood supply from the adrenal and renal vessels. The final diagnosis and its juxtadrenal origin was confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemical studies. A review of the literature on retroperitoneal schwannoma is included.