CT and MRI findings of intra-parenchymal and intra-ventricular schwannoma: a series of seven cases

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with intra-parenchymal and intra-ventricular schwannoma. METHODS: The CT and MRI features of seven cases with intra-parenchymal and intra-ventricular schwannoma were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There were four men and three women (median age, 25 years; range, 12–42 years) in this study. The median tumor size was 4.4 cm (range, 3.1–6.5 cm). The mass was, respectively, round in four cases (57.1%), lobulated in two cases (28.6%) and oval in one case (14.3%). All tumors were well-circumscribed. Septa in the mass could be observed in three cases (42.9%), and nodular calcification was observed in two cases (28.6%), which peritumoral edema (n = 3, 42.9%) and hydrocephalus (n = 3, 42.9%) could be observed. Most of these lesions (n = 6) presented iso-hypointensity on T1-weighted images and iso-hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, except one lesion showing low intensity on T2WI. In addition, a fluid–fluid level was observed in one case. After contrast agents’ injection, all masses illustrated heterogeneously moderate to marked enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: A well-defined solid and cystic mass with calcification and moderate to marked delayed enhancement may be an objective account of intra-parenchymal or intra-ventricular schwannoma. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12880-022-00917-z.