Tentorial schwannoma: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Schwannomas are most often found in association with the eighth cranial nerve, but may also arise from any other cranial nerve. They are rarely found in an intra-parenchymal location. Unusual locations for intracranial schwannomas have also been reported in association with neurofibromatosis.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 23-year-old male without von Recklinghausen's disease presented with intermittent dizziness and difficulty swallowing. Past medical history was significant for a motor vehicle accident (MVA) without loss of consciousness 6 months prior. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large tentorial-based tumor. At surgery the origin of the tumor was clearly the tentorium, and while the trigeminal nerve was displaced, it easily separated from the mass. There was no attachment to any other cranial nerve in the immediate vicinity and postoperative cranial nerve examination was unremarkable. Pathological review was consistent with schwannoma.

CONCLUSION

While there are few reported cases of tentorial-based schwannoma, these tumors have been noted in unusual locations within the intracranial vault, and clinicians should be aware of this diversity of origin.