Open AccessSchwannoma of the esophagus: a case exhibiting high 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in positron emission tomography imaging
Author(s) -
Matsuki A.,
Kosugi S.,
Kanda T.,
Komukai S.,
Ohashi M.,
Umezu H.,
Mashima Y.,
Suzuki T.,
Hatakeyama K.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
diseases of the esophagus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-2050
pISSN - 1120-8694
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2007.00712.x
Subject(s) - medicine , schwannoma , positron emission tomography , esophagus , stromal tumor , fluorodeoxyglucose , barium meal , radiology , gist , nuclear medicine , pathology , stromal cell
SUMMARY Esophageal schwannoma is rare and it is difficult preoperatively to confirm a definitive diagnosis, even using current imaging techniques. We present a case of a benign esophageal schwannoma that was surgically excised and confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Conventional radiological studies, including barium meal, computed tomography and endoscopic examination had shown a solid submucosal tumor of the upper thoracic esophagus but had been unable to confirm the diagnosis. Positron emission tomography was carried out to evaluate the malignant potential and showed a high uptake of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) into the tumor in both the early and delayed phase, suggesting that the tumor was a potentially malignant tumor such as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This is the first reported case of esophageal schwannoma that indicated a high FDG uptake. Although consensus has not been reached regarding the precise mechanism of FDG accumulation in schwannomas, we discuss our clinicopathological findings and review other studies of the subject.