Successful excision of a massive bleeding schwannoma by thoracoscopic surgery

Massive intrathoracic bleeding caused by rupture of a benign schwannoma is extremely rare. A 73-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department because of chest pain and dyspnea. Computed tomography revealed massive pleural effusion and a posterior mediastinal tumor. Chest tube thoracostomy was performed, and the initial blood drainage was 1700 mL. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the tumor at the 8th costal level measured 46 × 60 mm. The tumor, located beside the 8th vertebra, had ruptured and caused the bleeding. It was successfully excised by thoracoscopic surgery and diagnosed as a benign schwannoma.