Cystic schwannoma of the right brachial plexus causing thoracic outlet syndrome: a case report

A rare case of a schwannoma of the right brachial plexus presenting with a cystic lesion is presented here. A 36-year-old man was admitted to our department with numbness, pain and progressive, lingering paralysis in the right arm. The MRI showed a cystic lesion with a diameter of 4 cm, in the right brachial plexus. In the ensuing electromyographic studies, the lesion was determined to cause thoracic outlet syndrome. The patient was prepared for surgery and the lesion was totally removed. After the surgical exploration, a histopathological examination was conducted and a schwannoma originating from the brachial plexus was diagnosed. There were no postoperative signs of neurological disorders. After ten month, the patient was better and there was no recurrence. It has been noted that a schwannoma sometimes accompanies a cystic lesion. However, a schwannoma of the brachial plexus manifesting as a cystic lesion leading to thoracic outlet syndrome is very rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a schwannoma originating from the right brachial plexus causing thoracic outlet syndrome. J. Exp. Clin. Med., 2012; 29:61-63