Pancreatic schwannoma- CT and MRI findings: A rare case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic schwannoma (PS) is an extremely rare benign tumor. Here we describe the Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results of PS in a 59 years old woman, as well as a review of the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old woman consulted for atypical epigastralgia without fatigue, weight loss or fever. CT scan and MRI showed a 35 mm inhomogeneous lesion with well-defined margins located in the pancreas head. The diagnosis of pancreatic tumor was made. The pathologic examination of the biopsied mass yielded a diagnosis of pancreatic schwannoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: On CT scans, almost all benign PS are well-defined cystic or low-density masses. MRI is helpful in characterizing their typical encapsulation. CONCLUSION: The detection of pancreatic schwannoma is extremely rare. Although multiple imaging modalities are currently available, it is challenging to make an accurate diagnosis before operation.