IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Sciatic nerve schwannoma

Case contributed by Melbourne Uni Radiology Masters
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Left sciatic pain.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female

Left tight

mri

The lesion arising from the sciatic nerve at the level of the distal femoral shaft is unchanged in size, measuring 24 x 25 x 28 mm (AP, trans, CC). This signal characteristics are also unchanged, remaining heterogenous but predominantly high signal on T2, homogeneously low signal on T1, with intense contrast enhancement apart.

CONCLUSION:

Stable appearance of the sciatic nerve lesion with features in keeping with schwannoma.

Case Discussion

This case was confirmed as a sciatic schwannoma, a rare presentation of schwannoma. They are the most frequent peripheral nerve sheath tumors 1

The main differential diagnosis is made with neurofibromas, which are usually multiple, lack tumor capsule, and cause fusiform enlargement of distal nerves. 

The sciatic nerve arises from the sacral plexus from the roots of L4-S3 and runs through the buttock and down the lower limb. It is the longest and widest single nerve in the body.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.