Objective: Schwannomas are typically benign tumors that occur sporadically, in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), or in an entity called "schwannomatosis." Schwannomatosis patients develop multiple schwannomas without involvement of the vestibular apparatus. Geneticists, neurologists, and pathologists have recognized that schwannomatosis is distinct from NF2, but schwannomatosis remains unfamiliar to many radiologists. This article reviews the current medical literature, highlighting the similarities and differences between the schwannomatosis and NF2 phenotypes, genotypes, clinical manifestations, management considerations, and imaging findings.
Conclusion: Imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing schwannomatosis, and a basic understanding of this syndrome is of interest to diagnostic radiologists. Moreover, it is imperative that radiologists be able to differentiate schwannomatosis from NF2 on imaging because there are significant differences in the management of these two diseases and clinical outcomes for affected patients.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.2214/AJR.12.8577 | DOI Listing |
Neuroradiol J
January 2025
Department of Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic, USA.
Despite their similar nomenclature, Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and "Neurofibromatosis type 2" are discrete and clinically distinguishable entities. The name of "neurofibromatosis type 2" has been changed to NF2-related schwannomatosis, to reflect the fact that neurofibromas do not occur in this syndrome and therefore the name "Neurofibromatosis" is factually incorrect. Furthermore, multiple schwannomas, a hallmark feature of NF2, can also occur in patients with mutations in genes including SMARCB1 and LZTR1, all exhibiting overlapping clinical features.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: -related schwannomatosis ( -SWN) is a debilitating condition that calls for robust treatment options. The defining feature of -SWN is the presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs), which grow over time and can result in irreversible sensorineural hearing loss, significantly affecting the quality of life for those affected. At present, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating VS or related hearing loss.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOrphanet J Rare Dis
January 2025
Department of Neurosurgery, Helios Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
Background: NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is associated with various tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system. There is a wide range of disabilities these patients may suffer from and there is no validated clinical classification for disease severity. We propose a clinical classification consisting of three severity grades to assist in patient management.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Surg Case Rep
January 2025
Neurosurgical Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Introduction: Schwannoma is a type of slow growing benign nerve sheath tumor arising from Schwann cells. Peripherally, they are found in association with the ulnar, sciatic and posterior tibial nerves. Peripheral schwannomas, neurofibromas and malignant PNSTs are collectively grouped as peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeuro Oncol
December 2024
Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Background: NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) is associated with multiple benign tumors in the nervous system. NF2-SWN, caused by mutations in the NF2 gene, has developed into intracranial and spinal schwannomas. Because of the high surgical risk and frequent recurrence of multiple tumors, targeted therapy is necessary.
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