J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2014 Sep;56(3):272-277. 10.3340/jkns.2014.56.3.272.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis on Lumbar Spine : A Case Report and Literature Review

• Oh SW
• Lee MH
• Eoh W

• KMID: 2339971
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2014.56.3.272

Abstract

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative joint disease with an uncertain etiology that uncommonly involves the spine. We present a case of PVNS involving the lumbar spine. A 38-year-old male developed back pain and pain in both legs caused by a mass in the L4 region of the right lamina. After gross total tumor removal, the symptoms improved. The pathological finding was synovial hyperplasia with accumulation of hemosiderin-laden macrophages. He was diagnosed with PVNS and experienced no recurrence for up to 2 years after surgery. In this report, we review the previous literature and discuss etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Keyword

Pigmented villonodular synovitis; Lumbar spine; Giant cell tumor

MeSH Terms

Adult
Back Pain
Diagnosis
Giant Cell Tumors
Humans
Hyperplasia
Joint Diseases
Leg
Macrophages
Male
Recurrence
Spine*
Synovitis, Pigmented Villonodular*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 T2-weighted sagittal lumbar magnetic resonance image shows a well-circumscribed mass at the L4 epidural space compressing the spinal cord (arrow).

• 

  Fig. 2 T2-weighted axial lumbar magnetic resonance image shows a mass originating in the right superior articular process of the L4 vertebrae and extending to the epidural space.

• 

  Fig. 3 The surgical specimen shows synovial hyperplasia containing round cells, foamy cells, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages.

• 

  Fig. 4 Postoperative T2-weight saggital lumbar magnetic resonance image shows the absence of the lesion and postoperative changes.

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