J Korean Soc Radiol.  2015 Mar;72(3):189-192. 10.3348/jksr.2015.72.3.189.

CT Findings of Esophageal Schwannoma: A Case Report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Radiology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Gangneung, Korea. ryu@gnah.co.kr
  • 2Department of Pathology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Gangneung, Korea.
  • 3Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Gangneung, Korea.

Abstract

Esophageal schwannomas are a relative rare benign neoplasm that usually occurs in the upper esophagus, in the middle aged women. We report a case of a 67-year-old man with a lower esophageal schwannoma. This lesion was composed of homogenous density, iso-attenuating with the chest wall muscle on pre- and post-contrast chest computed tomography (CT). The CT findings of the esophageal schwannoma are similar to those of esophageal leiomyoma. Hense, esophageal schwannoma may be a differential diagnosis with esophageal leiomyoma.


MeSH Terms

Aged
Diagnosis, Differential
Esophagus
Female
Humans
Leiomyoma
Middle Aged
Neurilemmoma*
Thoracic Wall
Thorax

Figure

  • Fig. 1 A 67-year-old man with an esophageal schwannoma. A. Chest radiograph shows a retrocardiac, posterior mediastinal mass (arrows). B. Unenhanced chest computed tomography (CT) shows that the mass (arrow) is homogenous, and iso-attenuating with chest wall muscle (30-40 Hounsfield units). C. Contrast-enhanced chest CT image shows a lower esophageal mass (arrow) of homogenous density that adheres to the right lateral wall of the esophagus (arrowhead) suggestive of a submucosal tumor. D. Flexible esophagoscopy identifies the mass at 38 cm from the incisors, and with attachment to the right lateral esophageal wall. E. The tumor cells are positive for S100 protein (immunohistochemistry, × 100).


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