Imaging Diagnosis of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of Spine / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

PurposeTo explore CT and MRI findings of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of spine, and to improve the preoperative diagnosis.Materials and MethodsCT and MRI findings of 7 cases of PVNS of spine confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed. Seven cases underwent CT scan and 5 of them underwent MRI scan. The location of the lesions, tumor size, shape, density (signal), bone destruction and enhanced features were analyzed.ResultsExcept one case with small lesion, the remaining 6 cases showed lobulated soft tissue masses centering at the facet joint area, with lytic, expansive bone destruction. On CT images (n=7), 3 cases showed the masses density similar to that of the surrounding muscles, and 4 cases showed the tumor density slightly lower than that of the surrounding muscles. On MRI images (n=5), 1 small lesion demonstrated low signal at the peripheral, 1 lesion was isointensity without obvious low-density in it, 3 cases showed characteristic multiple visible low signal nodules in the lesions.ConclusionThe possibility diagnosis of the PVNS should be considered when spinal lesions are characterized by osteolytic bone destruction centering at facet joints and soft tissue masses with distinctive MR signals.