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Intracranial trigeminal schwannoma
1Neuroradiology Department, University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia, MO, USA draajay@gmail.com.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|April 30, 2015
Summary
Intracranial trigeminal schwannomas, rare tumors causing facial pain, are best diagnosed with MRI. This review highlights key imaging findings for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning of these nerve tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial trigeminal schwannomas are uncommon tumors.
- Facial pain is the most frequent presenting symptom, indicative of trigeminal nerve dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and illustrate the characteristic imaging findings of intracranial trigeminal schwannomas.
- To emphasize the role of imaging in diagnosing and planning surgical interventions for these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of imaging findings in nine patients with pathologically confirmed trigeminal schwannoma.
- Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, focusing on specific sequences like T2-weighted CISS 3D axial.
Main Results:
- Trigeminal schwannomas typically appear hypointense on T1-weighted MRI and hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI.
- Avid enhancement post-gadolinium administration is a common finding.
- MRI, particularly with thin T2-weighted CISS 3D axial sequences, is crucial for assessing the cisternal nerve segment. CT is supplementary for skull base tumors.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with the distinct imaging features of intracranial trigeminal schwannoma aids in its diagnosis.
- Accurate imaging is essential for effective surgical planning and patient management.
