Shwanoma cervical del nervio vago asociado a sindrome de Horner

Abstract

Introduction: Schwannoma is known as a rare or frequent tumour arising from Schwann cells (glial cells found in the peripheral nervous system) and in most situations behave benignly. They correspond to 0.09 % of head and neck tumours, being even more unusual in the vagus nerve. The case we present is associated with Horner's syndrome.

Objective: To present a case of a rare benign tumour. To describe the clinical presentation, preoperative diagnosis and anatomopathological results of a patient with cervical schwannoma

Case presentation: A 45 year old woman with a history of anxiety disorders attended for consultation due to a slowly growing left cervical jugulodigastric mass of at least one year's duration, with ipsilateral palpebral ptosis on physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a low echogenicity image with well-defined borders that entered the left pterygopalatine fossa, accompanied by multiple lymphadenopathies, some of which had a modified appearance. After resection, the diagnosis of cervical shwannoma was confirmed by pathological anatomy.

Conclusions: Schwannoma is a benign tumour of neuroectodermal origin, composed of differentiated Schwann cells, are relatively infrequent rare both worldwide and in Latin America and Cuba. Early diagnosis by MRI and CT is crucial for effective treatment. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice.