Sympathetic Plexus Schwannoma of Carotid Canal: 2 Cases with Surgical Technique and Review of Literature

Carotid sympathetic plexus schwannomas are rare, and only 3 cases have been reported to the best of our knowledge. We report the fourth and fifth cases and define its origin on the basis of the exact division of the plexus from which the tumor arises. The surgical approach and technique in each variety and the postoperative outcome are also described. The relationship of partial Horner syndrome with the sympathetic plexus schwannoma of the internal carotid artery is discussed in detail. •Carotid sympathetic plexus (CSP) schwannomas are rare; only 3 cases are reported in the literature.•Two unique cases involving the petrous ICA are described along with surgical technique.•A new classification for schwannomas along the carotid plexus is described, and the surgical approach is discussed.•The use of angiographic study in these tumors has been emphasized.