Objective:

To analyze the clinical data and imaging features from a rare case presenting intravertebral mobile nerve sheath tumor of the lumbar spine, review the relevant literature, discuss the imaging features and possible causes of the tumor, and propose preventive measures and solutions.

Methods:

The clinical data and imaging data of a patient with a lumbar spinal canal mobile nerve sheath tumor were retrospectively analyzed in conjunction with the relevant literature. The first preoperative lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the tumor located at level L1-2. Further lumbar spine MRI, which was performed five days later, showed the tumor was at level L3-4, with a range of motion of 8 cm. End spinal resection of the tumor was performed under general anesthesia, and a tumor, which was cystic solid, was found to be located at level L3-4. The tumor originated from a distinctly twisted and elongated posterior root of the spinal cord, with complete fusion of the tumor-bearing nerve. Both the tumor and tumor-carrying nerve were removed.

Results:

Postoperative pathological examination confirmed that the tumor was a nerve sheath tumor. Lumbar MRI on postoperative day 10 showed complete resection of the tumor in the L3-4 spinal canal. The patient was discharged with normal urination and defecation, normal sensation in both lower extremities, grade 5 muscle strength, normal muscle tone, and normal reflexes in both knee and Achilles tendons.

Conclusion:

Intravertebral mobile nerve sheath tumors are rare, and the marked distortion and elongation of the carrier nerve seen on MRI images, is an important imaging feature of this disease. The possible causes of tumor movement include tumor texture, location, positional changes, and altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Acute changes in intra-abdominal pressure caused by forceful defecation may be a high-risk factor for tumor migration. Multiple preoperative MRIs to localize the tumor are particularly important.