Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the thoracic spine: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

RESuMOPigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS), a lesion of the synovial tissues, is rarely found in the spine. We present a 73-year-old male with increasing lower extremity weakness and paresthesias. MRI scans revealed disc herniation and spinal cord compression at the T11-T12 and T12-L1 levels. Intraoperative exploration revealed an epidural mass originating in the T12 lamina, compressing the spinal cord at T11-T12. Pathologic examination was consistent with pigmented villonodular synovitis. KEYWORDS:

Villonodular synovitis of the lumbar spine: Case report of a rare pathology

“…There are mainly two types of PVNS: the first affects the synovium of a joint diffusely, whereas the second localized form focally involves the synovium about a tendon sheath 1,3 . The diffuse form is usually monoarticular, affecting large joints such as knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and elbows 1,4 . But PVNS rarely involves the axial skeletal system 5‐7 .…”

“…1,3 The diffuse form is usually monoarticular, affecting large joints such as knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and elbows. 1,4 But PVNS rarely involves the axial skeletal system. [5][6][7] Within the spine, lumbar localizations are the less encountered.…”