Go Back Spine/36. Lumbosacral spinal canal and contents/Neoplasm, Neoplasm-like condition/36.3 - Nerve Sheath Tumor Neurofibroma/ Go to Index
associated with NF-1
may be multiple
can be intradural, extradural or both (dumbbell appearance)
unencapsulated
fusiform, expands root.
Cannot reliably differentiate schwannoma from neurofibroma by neuroimaging
Bone erosion
scalloping of the vertebral body margins
widening of the neural foramen with erosion of the pedicles
Extension of a soft-tissue mass through the neural foramen with a dumbbell configuration
Very bright on T2
May exhibit “target” appearance (esp NF).
Enhance intensely and relatively homogeneously
Occasionally may enhance peripherally, sparing the central portion
T1:
75% isointense
25% hypointense (may appear cystic)
Multiple lesions
NF-1: NFs
NF-2: Schwannomas, Meningiomas.