Radiological features of knee joint synovial chondromatosis

Abstract

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare condition with a very variable clinical presentation, thus making the diagnosis not immediate. We report a case of massive primary SC of the knee, properly evaluated with X-rays, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging and successfully treated with an arthroscopic approach.

Secondary Chondrosarcoma Arising in Synovial Chondromatosis of Wrist Joint

“…PSC can cause damage to the joint and result in osteoarthritis as the cartilaginous chondromas can detach from the synovium and become free-floating within the joint [ 11 ]. This condition is typically seen in a single joint, most commonly in the knee, but it can also occur in other joints such as the hip, elbow, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and temporomandibular joint [ 4 , 5 ]. Secondary SC (SSC) is a similar condition, but it arises as a result of other joint-related issues such as trauma, osteoarthritis, or neuropathic arthropathy.…”

“…MRI is also useful in the evaluation of these lesions. On T1-weighted images, non-mineralized PSC and SSC lesions may appear as hyperintense intraarticular conglomerate masses compared to muscle [ 5 , 15 ]. On pulse sequences, small regions of low signal intensity may be seen within the mass, indicative of mineralized cartilaginous nodules [ 15 ].…”

“…On conventional X-rays and CT, both PSC and SCH may reveal a periarticular soft-tissue mass with internal mineralization, erosive changes, and background arthropathy [ 14 ]. On MRI, T1-weighted images of non-mineralized PSC and SCH-related lesions can demonstrate intraarticular conglomerate masses that are hyperintense compared to muscle [ 5 , 15 ]. On a pulse sequence, small regions of low signal intensity can be seen within the mass denoting mineralized cartilaginous nodules [ 15 ].…”

“…The diagnosis of PSC should be considered when evaluating a mono-articular intra-articular soft tissue mass, especially if there is evidence of superficial bone erosion and mineralization on radiography [ 3 ]. However, it is important to note that calcification may not be visible in the early stages, and nodules may not be discernible [ 5 ]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to identify a non-calcified mass, including chondromas or osteochondromas, as well as their relationship with extra-articular structures [ 6 ].…”

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee in a child: a case report

“…In synovial chondromatosis, hyalinized cartilage shows an intermediate signal on T1W. There may be central calcifications in the hyaline cartilage which show the same shape, same size, well-defined, and low signal intensity on all pulse sequences [14] . In intra-articular liposarcoma, 2 main types can be seen: the low-differentiated myxoid liposarcoma in young adults and less commonly the well-differentiated pleomorphic liposarcoma in older adults.…”