Sciatica in a patient with unusual peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Background: Other causes such as peripheral schwannomas can mimic lumbar disk disease. Case Description: We present an unusual case of multiple nerve sheath tumors in a patient with left radicular leg pain accompanied by a Tinel sign. Initial lumbar MR imaging revealed a mass in the right lumbar plexus, side opposite the patient's symptoms. Magnetic resonance neurography subsequently revealed a compressive mass of the sciatic nerve proximal to the popliteal fossa, histologically identified as a schwannoma. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of continued investigation when the radiographic findings do not correlate with the patient's history in the presence of localizing signs on physical examination. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.