Clin Should Elbow.  2014 Dec;17(4):181-184. 10.5397/cise.2014.17.4.181.

Schwannoma of the Ulnar Nerve in the Elbow: A Case Report

• Kim DS
• Rah JH
• Chung HJ
• Shin JJ
• Hong KJ

• KMID: 2049448
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5397/cise.2014.17.4.181

Abstract

Schwannomas are soft tissue sarcomas arising from neurilemma of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves, and is the most frequent type of benign tumor found in these nerves. We report a case of a Schwannoma of the ulnar nerve in the elbow joint, and along this report, give a review of the literature. A 46-year-old male patient was hospitalized with complaints of swelling and pain in the left elbow and a tingling sensation and hypoesthesia of the fourth and fifth fingers. Physical examination of the patient showed he was positive for Tinel's sign, and magnetic resonance imaging results demonstrated the presence of a Schwannoma. Subsequent biopsy and excision of the Schwannoma was carried out. The suspected mass, which had a clear margin separating it from the healthy nerve of the medial left elbow, was removed along with its 2 x 2 x 3 cm capsule after a histological diagnosis of a Schwannoma was made. Pathophysiological results confirmed the excised mass as a Schwannoma. Schwannoma of the ulnar nerve within the elbow joint is rare and differential diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, treatment can only proceed after the presence of Schwannoma has been confirmed by physical and radiological examinations.

Keyword

Elbow joint; Ulnar nerve; Neurilemmoma; Schwannoma

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Elbow Joint
Elbow*
Fingers
Humans
Hypesthesia
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Neurilemma
Neurilemmoma*
Peripheral Nerves
Physical Examination
Sarcoma
Schwann Cells
Sensation
Ulnar Nerve*