Schwannoma originating from the filum terminale with radicular syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Study Design: Case report. Background: Schwannomas (or neurilemmomas) are benign, encapsulated tumors that originate from Schwann cells which form the myelin sheaths of the nervous fibers in the peripheral nervous system. These are commonly found in the spine, specifically in its lumbar portion. Schwannomas and ependymomas account for approximately one third of all intradural lesions. Nevertheless, these tumors rarely originate from the filum terminale. Case description: Analyzing the case of a 24-year-old female patient, with 4 years of lumbar pain and radiated pain in the anterior portion of the right thigh and knee. In order to protect the identity of the patient all identification information from the figures included in the manuscript were redacted and a consent form explaining the use of the patient's medical history and additional studies was explained and signed by the parties involved. The patient underwent an L1 bilateral laminectomy and linear durotomy followed by complete resection of the lesion. Afterwards, the patient exhibited a progressive recovery of her symptoms, until full recovery was met one year after the surgery. Conclusions: We report an uncommon origin and location for schwannomas and its subsequent surgical treatment and its satisfactory results using conventional, open technique with the help of intraoperative microscopy, without additional procedures.

Keywords

• Schwannoma
• Neurilemmomas
• Myelin sheath
• Filum terminale
• Low back pain
• Paresthesia