Pigmented villonodular synovitis , also known as intra-articular giant-cell tumor of the tendon sheath, is a joint disease characterized by inflammation and overgrowth of the jointlining, becoming benign tumors. It usually affects the hip or knee. It can also occur in the shoulder, ankle, elbow, hand or foot. In PVNS patients, the lining of the joint, called the synovium, becomes swollen and grows foreign bodies. This growth harms the bone next to the joint. The lining also makes extra fluid that can cause swelling and make movement painful, limiting range of motion. PVNS is idiopathic, it doesn't seem to run in families or be caused by certain jobs or activities, although it has been associated with prior injury. Surgery can help, although there is a high reoccurrence rate. Depending on the type of PVNS, localized or diffused, the reoccurrence rate differs with localized being easier to resect generally. If the pain remains then radiation therapy or chemotherapy may help. In the worst cases the joint must be replaced or amputated.
Signs and symptoms
In general, pigmented villonodular synovitis often manifests initially as sudden onset, unexplained joint swelling and pain; the joint swelling is disproportionate to the amount of pain the patient feels at first. Decreased motion and increased pain occur as the disease state progresses as well as locking of the joint. The localized form often manifests initially as a painless, slow-growing mass and progresses to the other common symptoms of PVNS. The swelling often feels warm to the touch. Diffuse PVNS symptoms are often confused with those of rheumatoid arthritis. While pigmented villonodular synovitis can occur in both pediatric and geriatric patients, it is more common with ages 20–50.
Complications
PVNS is locally aggressive and can spread to surrounding tissues, causing bone erosion and tissue damage. If not treated early, it can spread to areas outside the joint, extra-articular, and potentially cause permanent loss of range as well as intense pain. The disorder also has, on average, a 45% rate of recurrence.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown. Some doctors believe it is caused by abnormal metabolism of fat. Others think it may be caused by repetitive inflammation. Some feel that blood within the joint may cause the inflammatory change. Risk factors for PVNS developing are not yet understood. However, a common theme is a trauma experienced to the joint prior to the onset of symptoms.
Diagnosis
PVNS is radiologically diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. The disorder is difficult to identify and is often not diagnosed for four years or more after presentation due to nonspecific symptoms or a general paucity of symptoms.
Classification
Pigmented villonodular synovitis, described distinctly in 1941 by Charles J. Sutro, L. Lichtenstein, and H.L. Jafe, comes in two forms: localized and diffuse. Diffuse PVNS affects the entire synovium and typically occurs in large joints such as the knee or hip. Localized, or nodular, PVNS is less common than the diffuse form and typically occurs in smaller joints such as the hands and feet. Localized PVNS often arises in the form of a large benign tumour on the tendon sheaths of the joint. As the tumor grows in the joint, it damages the surrounding bone and tissues. Localized PVNS is predominantly found in females and is frequently found in the fingers. Although rare, localized PVNS may develop in large joints. In either case, the knee is the most commonly affected joint, followed by the hip, and less commonly the ankles and shoulders. PVNS is generally found more in men than women. 2 cases per million population; incidence of the localized form is 9 cases per million.
Pathology
The synovial fluid of the joint is often grossly hemorrhagic. PVNS, under the microscope, looks as the name of the condition suggests; it is composed of nodules and/or villi and has an abundant number of hemosiderin-laden macrophages.
Treatment
Once PVNS is confirmed by biopsy of the synovium of an affected joint, an arthroscopic or open synovectomy of the affected area is the most common treatment. Bone lesions caused by the disorder are removed and bone grafting is performed as needed. Because diffuse PVNS has a relatively high rate of recurrence, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be considered as a treatment option. In some cases, a total joint replacement is needed to relieve symptoms when PVNS causes significant joint destruction.
