ABSTRACT
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, benign, idiopathic proliferative
disorder of the synovium that results in villous and/or nodular formation in joints,
tendon sheaths, and bursae. The disease can be localized or diffuse. Patients with
this condition typically present with symptoms of mild discomfort and associated stiffness
of the involved joint; however, the spectrum of presentations is broad. Diagnosis
of PVNS can be clinically difficult, and plain radiographs are usually nonspecific.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a highly diagnostic modality in characterizing
PVNS when it contains hemosiderin deposits exhibiting low signal intensity on all
MR image pulse sequences. This article discusses the presentation, pathology, differential
diagnosis, diagnostic modalities as well as various treatment options of PVNS.
KEYWORDS
Pigmented villonodular synovitis - localized - diffuse - hemosiderin - magnetic resonance