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A rare presentation of pigmented villonodular synovitis
Mitchell A Hansen1, Clive Harper, Con Yiannikas
1Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia. mhansen@ausdoctors.net
Summary
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare tumor. This case report details a young patient with thoracic spine PVNS, successfully treated with surgical resection, highlighting the importance of follow-up imaging.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT) present as localized or diffuse types.
- The diffuse form is also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS).
- PVNS is rare in the axial skeleton, with only 42 cases reported previously.
Observation:
- A young patient presented with progressive lower limb weakness and paresthesia.
- Imaging revealed a posterior lesion at T6/7 with local bone invasion.
- This lesion was diagnosed as thoracic spine PVNS.
Findings:
- Complete surgical resection of the thoracic PVNS was performed.
- The patient experienced an unremarkable postoperative recovery.
- Resolution of neurological symptoms was observed post-surgery.
Implications:
- Surgical resection is the primary treatment for thoracic PVNS.
- Close postoperative monitoring with serial imaging is crucial for detecting recurrence.
- This case contributes to understanding PVNS management in the thoracic spine.
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