The Use of MRI to Assist in Diagnosis of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee Joint

Arthroscopic treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

“…The average duration of symptoms was 5 months (range 1-12), and median time for diagnosis was 7 months (range [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. The most common symptom was discomfort of the knee (100% of the patients) followed by swelling (90%), locking episodes of the knee (50%) and acute pain at the level of the joint line (10%).…”

Pigmented villonodular synovitis: MRI characteristics

“…Apart from diagnosis, MRI also is useful in defining the extent of disease [23], because the ligaments, tendons, menisci, and cartilage are visualized in addition to the lesion. A detailed map of the disease within the joint is thus constructed [8].…”

“…The use of Gd-DTPA is thought to be valuable in assessing surgical planning, by more fully defining the lesion [10]. MRI can on occasions depict PVNS which cannot be directly visualized at arthroscopy [23], and as such should always be used when there is a clinical suspicion of PVNS or a patient presents with symptoms and signs of the condition. MRI has proven useful in defining the extent of recurrent disease following surgery [27] and in monitoring regression with yttrium-90 silicate [28] therapy.…”

Locking of the knee caused by localized pigmented villonodular synovitis: a case report

“…However, this appearance is not specific for the localized form of PVS and can be confused with synovial chondromatosis or fibroxanthoma. 7 The localized form of PVS has a good prognosis, in contrast to the diffuse form. Recurrence has been reported but appears to be uncommon.…”