NeuroradiologySchwannoma, of jugular foramen
benign tumour which derives from schwann cells of mixed cranial nerves as they exit through the jugular foramen. The glossopharyngeal nerve is the most frequently affected. The presenting symptoms are neuropathy or deficits due to compression of adjacent nervous structures.
CT scan can document enlargement of the foramen. MR easily demonstrates the extra-axial location of tumours that can extend extracranially in a "dumb-bell" shape. The signal is variably inhomogeneous in all pulse sequences and contrast enhancement is shown in the solid portions of tumour.
NC