Spinal Schwannomatosis
Schwannomatosis is a rare tumor syndrome characterized by more than one schwannoma without any evidence of other manifestations of neurofibromatosis (NF). A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of weakness in her lower extremities. Neurological examination revealed paraparesis with hypoesthesia below T8 level. Magnetic ressonanceimaging (MRI) showed well-defined masses with strong contrast enhancement at the dorsal and lumbosacral spinal regions. After removal of six tumors compressing the spinal cord, the patient improved rapidly. The histological diagnosis was schwannomas. A detailed clinical examination and MRI scanning of the central nervous system excluded NF2. Not all patients with multiple schwannomas of cranial nerves, spinal nerve roots or peripheral nerves origin have NF-1 or NF-2. Surgery is indicated for symptomatic lesions, while asymptomatic tumors are followed conservatively.