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Schwannoma in an accessory branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus: a rare case report
, 1, 1, 2, 1
Affiliations- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Abstract
Background: Variation in the posterior cord of the brachial plexus is complicated and creates a risky relationship with the neighbouring structures. This is of importance to the surgeons and anaesthetists who must deal with the region in
surgeries and procedures. Moreover, any benign tumour like schwannoma is rare in the plexus comprising 5% of total head and neck schwannomas.
Materials and methods: We present a case of schwannoma of the brachial plexus in a cadaver during routine anatomy dissection for the medical students. The origin and order of branching of the posterior cord were recorded and photographs were taken. The tumour was present in an accessory branch of the posterior cord and removal was made in-toto. An immunohistochemistry study was done for confirmation of diagnosis.
Results: The classical branching of the posterior cord was present. Additionally, a branch existed that was supplying the triceps muscle and emerged directly from the posterior cord. Tumour having the dimension of 2 × 1.8 × 0.5 cm was present.
Conclusions: Schwannomas are indolent but may cause compression of the nerve and resulting neurological symptoms. They might mimic nodules of supraclavicular fossa in breast carcinoma. Variations of the brachial plexus can also make the surgeons confused during surgery due to which anatomical knowledge of the possible variations is important. Pre- and post-operative complications can be easily predicted from it. Follow-up of the tumour is essential to track its progress and differentiation.
Abstract
Background: Variation in the posterior cord of the brachial plexus is complicated and creates a risky relationship with the neighbouring structures. This is of importance to the surgeons and anaesthetists who must deal with the region in
surgeries and procedures. Moreover, any benign tumour like schwannoma is rare in the plexus comprising 5% of total head and neck schwannomas.
Materials and methods: We present a case of schwannoma of the brachial plexus in a cadaver during routine anatomy dissection for the medical students. The origin and order of branching of the posterior cord were recorded and photographs were taken. The tumour was present in an accessory branch of the posterior cord and removal was made in-toto. An immunohistochemistry study was done for confirmation of diagnosis.
Results: The classical branching of the posterior cord was present. Additionally, a branch existed that was supplying the triceps muscle and emerged directly from the posterior cord. Tumour having the dimension of 2 × 1.8 × 0.5 cm was present.
Conclusions: Schwannomas are indolent but may cause compression of the nerve and resulting neurological symptoms. They might mimic nodules of supraclavicular fossa in breast carcinoma. Variations of the brachial plexus can also make the surgeons confused during surgery due to which anatomical knowledge of the possible variations is important. Pre- and post-operative complications can be easily predicted from it. Follow-up of the tumour is essential to track its progress and differentiation.
Keywords
brachial plexus, variation, schwannoma, breast carcinoma, posterior cord, triceps, nerve block
About this articleTitle
Schwannoma in an accessory branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus: a rare case report
Journal
Issue
Article type
Case report
Pages
777-780
Published online
2021-05-25
Page views
4720
Article views/downloads
978
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2022;81(3):777-780.
Keywords
brachial plexus
variation
schwannoma
breast carcinoma
posterior cord
triceps
nerve block
Authors
S. Banik
S. Sahoo
M. R. Gaikwad
S. Purkait
M. Patnaik
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