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Synovial sarcoma mimicking infrapatellar bursitis: A diagnostic challenge
Murat Acar1, Angela G Niehaus2, Julian B H Acevedo1
1Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Radiology Case Reports
|June 11, 2025
Summary
Synovial sarcoma, an aggressive tumor, can mimic benign knee conditions on MRI. Early diagnosis is crucial for young patients presenting with persistent knee pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare and aggressive soft tissue malignancy.
- SS predominantly affects the pediatric and young adult population.
- Accurate diagnosis of SS is critical for timely and effective treatment.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with a four-year history of anterior knee pain.
- Initial noncontrast MRI suggested infrapatellar bursitis.
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with synovial sarcoma.
Findings:
- Synovial sarcoma can exhibit imaging characteristics that closely resemble benign conditions.
- Noncontrast MRI findings of SS may be misleading, posing diagnostic challenges.
- The tumor's presentation mimicked common inflammatory knee pathologies.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in young patients with persistent knee pain.
- Radiologists and clinicians must be aware of the potential for SS to mimic benign entities on imaging.
- Advanced imaging or biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy.
