Multifocal Pigmented villonodular synovitis in adult: a case report and review of the literature

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) most often affects the knees, and less frequently involves other joints. It presents in the multifocal extremely rarely. The authors report a 50-year-old male suffered from recurrent episodes of joint pain and loss of function because of PVNS. Magnetic resonance imaging of bilateral knee joints, talonavicular joints, calcaneonavicular joints and calcaneocuboid joints showed diffuse PVNS appearance and joint destruction of the right knee. The patient underwent right total knee arthroplasty, left knee synovectomy through arthroscopy and open-up synovial resection through posterior approach. Radiotherapy was given as follow-up. He has relief of pain and functional disorder and go back to work.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder that affects synovial lined joints, bursae and tendon sheaths. There are two primary forms, including a localized form and a diffuse form that affects the entire synovial lining of a joint, bursa or tendon sheath. Although a benign condition, the disorder may result in bone destruction and proliferate to surrounding structures if left untreated. PVNS mostly affects unifocal. It presents extremely rarely in multifocal. This article reports a case of multifocal diffuse form of PVNS.

Author(s): Li Qingtian, Che Hong, Li Mengyuan, Ma Yuanchen, Liao Junxing, Zheng Qiujian

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