The value of MRI in diagnosing pigmented villonodular synovitis / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the value of MRI in diagnosing pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Methods MRI appearance of 23 pathologically proven cases of PVNS was analyzed. Results In 23 patients with PVNS, 9 cases occurred in knee joint, 9 cases in hip, 3 cases in ankle, 1 in elbow, and 1 in wrist. X ray of the 23 patients could only show the joint effusion, and bony erosion was found in 19 cases. CT scan showed joint effusion and bony erosion more clearly than X ray in 4 cases. The typical MRI appearance included intra articular joint effusion and extensive synovial proliferation which led to progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. The pigmented villonodules showed nodular low signal on both T 1WI and T 2WI, especially in FFE/T 2WI. Conclusion MRI is the most effective modality in the diagnosis of PVNS.