Thoracic intramedullary schwannoma: A case report and review of literature

Intramedullary schwannomas are rare spinal cord tumors. Most of these tumors have been reported as a single lesion in the spinal cord. Up until today approximately 50 cases of intramedullary shwannomas not related to neurofibromatosis have been described. We describe a rare case of thoracic intramedullary tumour in a 28 year old male patient who presented with progressive weakness of both the lower limbs and decreased sensation below D2 dermatomal level. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary lesion from D1 toD7. D1 to D7 laminoplasty and near total excision of the mass done. Total removal was difficult because of the infiltrative nature of the tumour. Histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of the schwannoma. Possible site of origin and pathogenesis of intramedullary tumour have been discussed.