ABSTRACT
Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an uncommon aggressive synovial proliferative disorder of unknown etiology affecting the joint linings. Though a histologically benign inflammatory process, because of its aggressive growth with bone destruction or recurrence, it is frequently suggested to occur as a low malignant neoplasm. Optimal treatment is surgery, but the local recurrence rate after radical synovectomy for diffuse PVNS is relatively high due to the infiltrative growth pattern. External beam radiotherapy with moderate doses or intra-articular instillation of radioactive isotopes may improve the likelihood of local control and long-term function in patients with incompletely resected or recurrent diffuse PVNS. I report one case of diffuse PVNS of the right knee joint treated with arthroscopic synovectomy and external beam radiotherapy is presented.
Subject(s)
Humans , Joints , Knee Joint , Knee , Radioisotopes , Radiotherapy , Recurrence , Synovitis, Pigmented VillonodularABSTRACT
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative disease involving synovial membranes. Natural history and etiology of PVNS are not well known. PVNS presents as localized or diffuse tumor like nodular lesion of the synovial lining of the joint and the synovial spaces adjacent to the joints. Though histologically benign, it is a very aggressive lesion, capable of bone destruction and widespread infiltration of surrounding tissues. Standard therapy is surgical resection, but due to the infiltrative growth, the recurrence rate is significantly high. After several relapses surgical treatment of diffuse PVNS becomes difficult and may require amputation of the involved limb. Radiotherapy can provide an effective treatment option for patients with large lesions or lesions which are not suitable for surgery, after incomplete resection to prevent relapses or to avoid amputation. We report 2 cases of diffuse PVNS in the knee joint treated with arthroscopic gross total synovectomy and radiotherapy.