Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Intramedullary Schwannomas

To identify the magnetic resonance imaging features of intramedullary spinal schwannomas.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings of 8 patients with pathologically confirmed intramedullary schwannomas were reviewed.

There were 6 male and 2 female patients (mean age, 49 years). Tumors were located in the cervical cord (2), the thoracic cord (5), and the cervicothoracic cord (1). Most were in the dorsolateral spinal cord and limited to one side. Expansion of the cord was observed. The majority were hypointense on T1-weighted images and hypo-hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Peritumoral edema was easily found. Gadolinium enhancement was obviously. No recurrence was seen during the follow-up period.

A tumor located in the dorsolateral spinal cord, causing expansion of the cord, with hypointense areas on T2-weighted and obviously enhancement, should arise suspicion of an intramedullary schwannoma.