We present two cases of cystic lesions in the Meckel’s cave, both of which showed fluid-fluid levels on MR images and are consistent with trigeminal cystic schwannomas.
Fluid-fluid levels are the result of mucinous areas or microcysts, or as a result of necrosis and hemorrhage. The fluid is unclotted blood against serous fluid. In addition, in areas of necrosis, the fluid that fills a necrotic cavity early on tends to be more proteinaceous than newer interstitial fluid. In such cases, fluid separation, based on viscosity and protein content, may occur. When fluid levels are seen in masses arising from nerves, schwannoma should first on the differential diagnosis.
We would like to know if anyone has had a similar experience with intracranial schwannomas.
H. Kato, et al. Fluid-Fluid Level Formation: A Rare Finding of Extracranial Head and Neck Schwannomas. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009 0: ajnr.A1511.
Trigeminal Cystic Schwannomas
