Giant schwannoma of the cauda equina with dural ectasia: a case report

Abstract

We describe a rare case of giant cauda equina tumor in the upper lumbar spine with dural ectasia in the lumbosacral region. This patient had a long history of acromegaly due to pituitary adenoma, for which bromocriptine was administered. The cauda equina tumor was surgically resected en bloc and proved to be a benign schwannoma. Postoperatively, with the exception of the left L5 dermatome, sensory disturbance decreased markedly and motor function slowly improved. Although resection of a giant schwannoma of the cauda equina often sacrifices other cauda equina spinal nerves involved by the tumor, neurological deterioration was not observed in the case presented.