Search

Objective Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is an imaging method that can be used in various neurosurgical procedures. It assists in the removal of brain tumors, hematomas, in the insertion of ventricular catheters, and in spinal and peripheral nerve surgeries. The original studies using IOUS were performed with devices that produced lower-quality images, generating little interest in their use. The introduction of ultrasound devices that yielded higher-quality images associated with a relative low cost and ease of use rendered IOUS attractive. Thus, we started using it in multiple neurosurgical procedures, studying its practicality, efficacy and limitations.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a malignant neoplasm that affects bones and soft tissues, usually in young patients. Currently, ES is grouped with other tumors that share the same histological and genotypic characteristics, forming the Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFT), which includes ES of bone, extraosseous ES (peripheral neuroepithelioma), Askin tumor, and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Its origin in peripheral nerves is extremely rare, making its diagnosis and treatment very challenging. We describe a case of a 27-year-old male with extraosseous ES originating in the sciatic nerve, which was surgically removed, and discuss the difficulties encountered in the management of this patient.