Fluid-fluid levels in intracranial schwannomas

Australas Radiol. 1999 Nov;43(4):529-31. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1673.1999.00724.x.

Abstract

Intracranial cystic neurogenic tumours constitute an uncommon subset of tumours with a distinct clinico-biological behaviour. The presence of fluid-fluid levels within the tumours, although rare, confirms the cystic nature of the neoplasms. Barring the acoustic schwannomas, cystic cranial nerve schwannomas are exceptionally uncommon. Imaging findings of fluid-fluid levels in two non-acoustic cranial nerve schwannomas are described; one was a cystic trigeminal schwannoma and the other was a glossopharyngeal nerve schwannoma. The causes of the fluid-fluid level and its implications are analysed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnosis*
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*