[Diagnosis and course of synovial sarcoma. Comparison of x-ray diagnosis and bone scintigraphy]

The unfavourable prognosis of malignant synoviomas makes it essential to arrive at an early diagnosis. The early clinical symptoms and radiological appearances may be minimal and sometimes absent. It is therefore advisable to obtain bone scintigrams with perfusion and early images as well as the radiographs. The local extent of the tumour can be evaluated by ultrasound and CT. Angiography is required only if the relationship to the vessels cannot otherwise be ascertained, or if intra-arterial therapy is being considered. The final diagnosis depends on a biopsy. For subsequent observation, both scintigrams and radiographs should be obtained. It is essential to perform a three-phase scintigram. This improves the recognition of recurrences and of soft tissue or bone metastases. Most bone metastases are visible on scintigraphy, but a normal scintigram in the presence of an osteolytic lesion on a radiograph may be obtained. Pulmonary metastases can only be demonstrated radiologically.