Microcystic/Reticular Schwannoma Occurring in the Lumbar Spine: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Microcystic/reticular schwannoma (MRS) is a rare subtype of schwannoma characterized by distinctive histological features. It mainly occurs in the head-and-neck region and extremities. We present a case of MRS occurring in the lumbar spine, which is an exceedingly rare location for this tumor. This is the case of a middle-aged woman who presented with complaints of lower back pain radiating to the left lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated features suggestive of a myxopapillary ependymoma arising from the cauda equina at the L4–L5 vertebral level. Diagnosis of MRS was made based on the typical histopathological features and immunohistochemical positivity for the S100 marker. MRS is a rare subtype of schwannoma, which differs from classical schwannoma in several aspects. Raising awareness regarding this subtype is essential to budding pathologists to prevent their misdiagnosis as myxopapillary ependymoma.