Pigmented villonodular synovitis and rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations in a case of knee pain.

We present a case of a woman in her 30s who visited the rheumatology clinic due to her persistent knee pain for 5 years, which spread to multiple joints. She was diagnosed with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While most joints responded well to methotrexate and subsequently etanercept, persistent unilateral knee pain prompted further investigation. Imaging revealed synovitis and joint effusion in her knee, prompting arthroscopy and synovial biopsy, revealing pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Despite initial success with a tricompartmental synovectomy, her disease recurred. The decision was made to pursue medical therapy, with pexidartinib initiated by the oncology team. Our case report highlights the importance of considering other underlying conditions in patients with RA who do not achieve full clinical improvement despite standard treatment. Physicians should remain vigilant for atypical presentations and imaging features in patients with RA, for early recognition of PVNS can significantly impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis/giant cell tumor in the knee.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare diagnosis in pediatric patients and commonly presents with symptoms of swelling and pain. Early diagnosis is important to prevent secondary degeneration into the subchondral bone. This review will analyze the etiology, clinical signs/symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recent literature on PVNS in the pediatric population. RECENT FINDINGS: Many theories of PVNS etiology have been described in the literature; however, an inflammatory response has been most widely accepted. PVNS can occur in any joint, but most commonly in the knee. The most common treatment for PVNS is synovectomy, and long-term follow-up is necessary to detect disease persistence or recurrence. SUMMARY: Although uncommon, PVNS does occur in the pediatric population and this diagnosis should be included in the differential of atraumatic joint swelling and pain.

Arthroscopic Excision of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Trochanteric Bursa.

Trochanteric bursitis is a common disorder affecting middle-aged adults and usually presents with lateral-based hip pain and swelling. It usually responds to conservative measures, including adductor stretching, abductor strengthening, and select injections of corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma. For refractory cases, excision, open or arthroscopic, is usually recommended. We observed a 55-year-old woman who had lateral hip pain and longstanding swelling consistent with refractory trochanteric bursitis. Her persistent symptoms, coupled with atypical findings on imaging, prompted an arthroscopic evaluation. Arthroscopic examination of the peritrochanteric space revealed a fulminant bursal inflammation that pierced through the iliotibial band. The bursal inflammation was excised arthroscopically and biopsy of the tissue revealed a diagnosis of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). The patient had an uneventful recovery and had a full resolution of symptoms with no recurrence noted at 3-year follow-up. This is the first reported case of arthroscopic excision of PVNS of the trochanteric bursa. Given that it may mimic trochanteric bursitis, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the possibility of this progressive condition for appropriate clinical intervention. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):e381-e383.].

Total Hip Arthroplasty or Arthroscopy for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Hip: A Retrospective Study with 3-Year Follow-Up at Minimum.

OBJECTIVE: Pigment Villonodular synovitis of the hip, a rare pain proliferation of the synovium, was treated successfully with total hip arthroplasty and arthroscopy. Most recent results come from small case series with no study comparing arthroscopy and arthroplasty. In this study, we aimed to show and compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopy and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in pigment Villonodular synovitis of the hip. METHODS: This was a retrospective clinical trial with data from patients with pigment Villonodular synovitis of the hip between 2010 and 2019. The study included 17 patients in the THA group, and 20 patients in the arthroscopy group. The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months, at 1 and 2 years, and every 5 years afterward. The clinical efficacy was measured using the Harris hip scores (HHSs) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: The mean HHS improved from 45.24 ± 10.36 to 78.94 ± 19.11 in the THA group (t = -6.394, P = 0.000) and 45.30 ± 11.08 to 71.60 ± 19.78 (t = -5.187, P = 0.000) in the arthroscopy group from pre-operation to the final follow-up. There is no significant difference between the two groups (t = 1.051, P = 0.301). The mean VAS improved from 3.65 ± 0.79 to 0.35 ± 0.70 (t = 12.890, P = 0.000) in the THA group and 4.05 ± 0.94 to 1.35 ± 1.79 (t = 5.979, P = 0.001) in the arthroscopy group postoperatively. There is no significant difference between the two groups (t = 1.329, P = 0.193). Recurrence of PVNS was diagnosed in four patients (20%) of the arthroscopy group and they underwent THA after arthroscopy, and the mean interval was 44.25 ± 6.98 months. All patients reached level 5 muscle strength by the final follow-up. All the patients' buckling ranges were over 105 degrees. Their internal and external hip rotation was over 15 degrees. Their hip adduction was over 20 degrees, and abduction over 30 degrees. CONCLUSION: Both THA and arthroscopy in the setting of PVNS can improve patients' function and lead to a low rate of local recurrence. By selecting patients well for each approach, one can expect a reasonable result.

Rare Presentation of Giant Cell Tumors of the Tendon Sheath: Bilateral Involvement of Tendoachilles.

Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath arises from the synovium of tendon sheaths, joints, or bursa, mostly affects adults between 30 and 50 years of age, and is slightly more common in females. It corresponds to a localized form of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Typically occur in the hand where they represent the second most common type of soft tissue tumors after synovial ganglions. Bilateral giant cell tumor of tendon sheath of tendoachilles is a rare presentation. We report the case of a 22-years-old female presenting with pain in both ankles without any history of trauma. On clinical examination, tenderness on both tendoachilles and local indurations were observed. Ultrasonography showed focal thickening of Achilles tendon bilaterally, and Doppler demonstrated increased flow in peritendinous area. MRI findings showed that most of the tumor had intermediate signal intensity and portions of the tumor had low signal intensity. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath. Excision biopsy was done with no recurrence on subsequent follow-up.

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis treated with arthroscopic total synovial peel.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is prone to recurrence after surgery, and it is difficult to achieve a long-term complete cure. OBJECTIVE: To reduce the recurrence rate of PVNS, the author pioneered the arthroscopic total synovial peel (ATSP). METHODS: From March 2014 to July 2020, a total of 19 patients (6 males and 13 females) with diffuse PVNS of the knee were treated in our department and underwent ATSP. It's 'peel' rather than simple excision. This method is similar to peeling bark. Relapse rates and functional scores were determined, with follow-ups ranging from 12 to 72 months, on average 36 months. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy was assessed by imaging and functional scores. Imaging results indicated a recurrence rate of 10.5%. In patients without recurrence, the visual analog score (VAS) decreased from 4.76 ± 2.02 preoperatively to 1.56 ± 1.15 postoperatively. The Tegner-Lysholm knee function score (TLS) score increased from 67.76 ± 15.64 preoperatively to 90.32 ± 8.32 postoperatively. Compared with the literature, ATSP significantly reduces the postoperative recurrence rate of diffuse PVNS. The preliminarily findings suggest that this approach could greatly reduce the recurrence rate of postoperative PVNS in follow-up studies. CONCLUSION: This approach may be a viable option for treating diffuse PVNS via arthroscopy and is worthy of clinical consideration.

Distraction arthroplasty combined with autologous bone grafting for diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumour with articular cartilage defect and subchondral bone cysts: A case report.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) encompasses a group of lesions that present with synovial differentiation and most commonly occur in the joint synovium, bursae, and tendon sheaths. Diffuse-type TGCT (Dt-TGCT), previously known as pigmented villonodular synovitis, is one of the most common benign soft-tissue tumours of the foot and ankle and usually affects young adults. The differential diagnosis of Dt-TGCTs remains a clinical problem because their clinical symptoms are similar to those of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, persistent Dt-TGCTs can lead to articular deterioration, including osseous erosions and subchondral bone cysts. Joint-preserving procedures are considered optimal for treating younger patients with ankle osteoarthritis because the indication of ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty is limited. Thus, ankle distraction arthroplasty could be an alternative for treating Dt-TGCT with articular deterioration in young patients. Here, we report about a woman in her early 30s who presented with ankle pain owing to a Dt-TGCT with an articular cartilage defect and subchondral bone cysts. We performed ankle distraction arthroplasty combined with an autologous bone graft. A follow-up examination at 2 years revealed preservation of physical function and pain alleviation. These findings suggest that distraction arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for remedying the destruction of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone owing to Dt-TGCTs in young adults.

Case Report: Cytodiagnosis of pigmented villonodular synovitis involving carpal bones of right wrist.

Background: Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a rare disease of osteoskeletal tissue. Cytodiagnosis of PVNS on fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears is therefore rarely reported. The PVNS usually affects the larger joints. The involvement of the smaller joints and bones are uncommon. Case presentation: The reported case is one such rarity wherein the diagnosis of PVNS was carried out on the FNAC. The case showed the involvement of all carpal bones except for the pisiform. The 2 nd- 5 th metacarpal bases were also found to be involved in the disease process. The presence of sheets of synoviocytes with brown altered hue to the cytoplasm along with multinucleate giant cells and pigmented macrophages were characteristically present in the smears of FNA. The diagnosis was confirmed on the tissue biopsy. The present case is reported for its unusual multiosteotic involvement of wrist joint bones and the metacarpal bones simultaneously with radiological evidence. The cytomorphology of the lesion in the present case were noteworthy as a learning experience in reporting of PVNS of wrist joint on FNA smears.

Digitalized diagnosis and treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of temporomandibular joint: a case report.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare locally aggressive benign tumor in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This paper presents a patient with TMJ-PVNS involving masseteric space, temporal bone, zygomatic process, and mandibular ramus. Digital technique was used to determine the boundary of the lesion and reconstruct the normal glenoid fossa. The temporalis myofascial flap was transplanted between titanium mesh and condyle to reconstruct the disk after the complete resection of the tumor. The patient's facial profile is symmetrical, with a mouth ope-ning of 43 mm. No local recurrence and complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistula and encephaloceles, were detected during 30-month follow-up period.

[Diagnosis and differentiation diagnosis of primary temporomandibular joint cartilage and giant cell related tumor lesions].

Cartilage and giant cell-related neoplastic lesions originating in the temporomandibular joint region have similar clinical, imaging and pathological manifestations, making the diagnosis of these disorders challenging to varying degrees. Diagnostic findings can influence treatment procedures and a definitive pathological diagnosis is important for the prognosis of these conditions. In this article, we discuss the pathological diagnosis and differentiation of four benign cartilage and giant cell related tumors and tumor-like lesions that occur in the temporomandibular joint, namely synovial chondromatosis, tumoral calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, pigmented villonodular synovitis and chondroblastoma, taking into account their clinical features and histological manifestations, with a view to providing a basis for clinical management.

Orthopedic management of a patient with pigmented villonodular synovitis.

ABSTRACT: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), sometimes also called tenosynovial giant cell tumor, is a rare, slow-growing, benign soft-tissue disorder. PVNS most commonly affects the knee and is associated with painful hemarthrosis and joint swelling. The condition also can affect the hip, ankle, shoulder, or elbow. This article reviews practice guidelines for PVNS, diagnosis, and surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Diffuse-type giant cell tumor: Pigmented villonodular synovitis of patellar fat pad.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, relatively benign intra-articular lesion characterized by slowly progressing proliferation of the synovial tissue. It is most commonly observed in the knee joint. Localized and diffuse types are two types of PVNS depending on the synovial involvement. Arthroscopic and excisional resections are recommended as the treatment methods for the PVNS. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be adjuvant therapeutic options for the widespread masses. In this study, we presented a case of diffuse PVNS originating from the patellar fat pad.

Arthroscopic treatment for intra-articular fibroma of the tendon sheath in a teenager.

An adolescent female patient presented with atraumatic left knee pain and limited flexion. MRI demonstrated evidence of a soft tissue lesion abutting the posterior cruciate ligament. Differential diagnosis included pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and fibroma of the tendon sheath (FTS). Following arthroscopic biopsy, histopathological evaluation confirmed FTS. The tumour was then excised via an arthroscopic approach. This case report provides a unique example of FTS abutting the cruciate ligaments in an uncommonly young female patient. It highlights the importance of including benign processes, such as FTS, in the differential with more aggressive-type diagnoses like PVNS. Furthermore, this case exemplifies an appropriate surgical indication for FTS. Finally, it emphasises the importance of communication and collaboration among orthopaedic subspecialists in providing safe and effective arthroscopic treatment of this unique tumour presentation.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Temporomandibular Joint: Case Report and Literature Review.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a benign soft-tissue lesion that can affect the synovium of joint spaces, bursae, or tendon sheaths. It is a rare condition and even rarer when it originates in the temporomandibular joint. The purpose of this study is to review the literature and report an additional case of pigmented villonodular synovitis arising from the temporomandibular joint and describe the surgical approach involving a Zimmer Biomet custom-fitted total joint prosthesis.

Two-stage TKA for tuberculosis septic arthritis of the knee masquerading as pigmented villonodular synovitis: A case report.

A 25-year-old female presented with left knee pain following arthroscopic synovectomy for presumed pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tricompartmental arthritic changes. She underwent a two-stage procedure first involving antibiotic spacer implantation, followed 1 week later by spacer removal and definitive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) once initial intraoperative culture results were negative. Subsequent cultures confirmed tuberculosis septic arthritis. Repeat evaluation 1 year postoperatively showed no complications and patient satisfaction with left knee function. This is a unique case report in the United States describing 1-year outcomes following staged TKA for tuberculosis septic arthritis masquerading as PVNS.

Intra-articular Neoplasms and Masslike Lesions of the Knee: Emphasis on MR Imaging.

Intra-articular masses affecting the knee joint are uncommon lesions that encompass a range of neoplastic and nonneoplastic disorders. A joint mass limited to a single articulation is most commonly related to neoplastic or focal proliferative disease, whereas masses affecting multiple articulations are typically caused by underlying inflammatory arthritides, metabolic abnormalities, or systemic deposition disorders. This article focuses on those masses that present in a monoarticular fashion, emphasizing the lesions that most commonly affect the knee joint. MR imaging is the modality of choice for evaluation of knee masses, allowing specific diagnosis in most cases.