External Beam Radiation Therapy Enhances Local Control in Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

What Are the Recurrence Rates, Complications, and Functional Outcomes After Multiportal Arthroscopic Synovectomy for Patients With Knee Diffuse-type Tenosynovial Giant-cell Tumors?

BACKGROUND

Diffuse-type tenosynovial giant-cell tumor (D-TGCT), formerly known as pigmented villonodular synovitis, is a rare, locally aggressive, invasive soft tissue tumor that primarily occurs in the knee. Surgical excision is the main treatment option, but there is a high recurrence rate. Arthroscopic surgical techniques are emphasized because they are less traumatic and offer faster postoperative recovery, but detailed reports on arthroscopic techniques and outcomes of D-TGCT in large cohorts are still lacking.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What is the recurrence rate of knee D-TGCT after multiportal arthroscopic synovectomy? (2) What are the complications, knee ROM, pain score, and patient-reported outcomes for patients, and do they differ between patients with and without recurrence? (3) What factors are associated with recurrence after arthroscopic treatment in patients with D-TGCT?

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study conducted between January 2010 and April 2021, we treated 295 patients with knee D-TGCTs. We considered patients undergoing initial surgical treatment with multiportal arthroscopic synovectomy as potentially eligible. Based on that, 27% (81 of 295) of patients were excluded because of recurrence after synovectomy performed at another institution. Of the 214 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 17% (36 of 214) were lost to follow-up, leaving 83% (178 of 214) of patients in the analysis. Twenty-eight percent (50 of 178) of patients were men and 72% (128 of 178) were women, with a median (range) age of 36 years (7 to 69). The median follow-up duration was 80 months (26 to 149). All patients underwent multiportal (anterior and posterior approaches) arthroscopic synovectomy, and all surgical protocols were determined by discussion among four surgeons after preoperative MRI. A combined open posterior incision was used for patients with lesions that invaded or surrounded the blood vessels and nerves or invaded the muscle space extraarticularly. Standard postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended for all patients with D-TGCT who had extraarticular and posterior compartment invasion; for patients with only anterior compartment invasion, radiotherapy was recommended for severe cases as assessed by the surgeons and radiologists based on preoperative MRI and intraoperative descriptions. Postoperative recurrence at 5 years was calculated using a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator. The WOMAC score (0 to 96, with higher scores representing a worse outcome; minimum clinically important difference [MCID] 8.5), the Lysholm knee score (0 to 100, with higher scores being better knee function; MCID 25.4), the VAS for pain (0 to 10, with higher scores representing more pain; MCID 2.46), and knee ROM were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Because we did not have preoperative patient-reported outcomes scores, we present data on the proportion of patients who achieved the patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) for each of those outcome metrics, which were 14.6 of 96 points on the WOMAC, 52.5 of 100 points on the Lysholm, and 2.32 of 10 points on the VAS.

RESULTS

The symptomatic or radiographically documented recurrence at 5 years was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7% to 17%) using the Kaplan-Meier estimator, with a mean recurrence time of 33 ± 19 months. Of these, three were asymptomatic recurrences found during regular MRI reviews, and the remaining 19 underwent repeat surgery. There was one intraoperative complication (vascular injury) with no effect on postoperative limb function and eight patients with postoperative joint stiffness, seven of whom improved with prolonged rehabilitation and one with manipulation under anesthesia. No postradiotherapy complications were found. The proportion of patients who achieved the preestablished PASS was 99% (176 of 178) for the VAS pain score, 97% (173 of 178) for the WOMAC score, and 100% (178 of 178) for the Lysholm score. A lower percentage of patients with recurrence achieved the PASS for WOMAC score than patients without recurrence (86% [19] versus 99% [154], OR 0.08 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.52]; p = 0.01), whereas no difference was found in the percentage of VAS score (95% [21] versus 99% [155], OR 0.14 [95% CI 0.01 to 2.25]; p = 0.23) or Lysholm score (100% [22] versus 100% [156], OR 1 [95% CI 1 to 1]; p = 0.99). Moreover, patients in the recurrence group showed worse knee flexion (median 135° [100° to 135°] versus median 135° [80° to 135°]; difference of medians 0°; p = 0.03), worse WOMAC score (median 3.5 [0 to 19] versus median 1 [0 to 29]; difference of medians 2.5; p = 0.01), and higher VAS pain score (median 1 [0 to 4] versus median 0 [0 to 4]; difference of medians 1; p < 0.01) than those in the nonrecurrence group, although no differences reached the MCID. No factors were associated with D-TGCT recurrence, including the use of postoperative radiotherapy, surgical technique, and invasion extent.

CONCLUSION

This single-center, large-cohort retrospective study confirmed that multiportal arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat knee D-TGCTs with a low recurrence rate, few complications, and satisfactory postoperative outcomes. Surgeons should conduct a thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous arthroscopic synovectomy, and regular postoperative follow-up when treating patients with D-TGCT to reduce postoperative recurrence. Because the available evidence does not appear to fully support the use of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy in all patients with D-TGCTs and our study design is inadequate to resolve this controversial issue, future studies should look for more appropriate indications for radiotherapy, such as planning based on a more precise classification of lesion invasion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

A severe headache due to pigmented villonodular synovitis in a rare location: facial nerve on temporomandibular joint. A case report

BACKGROUND

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an infrequent benign tumor-like proliferative lesion developing from the synovial membranes of the joint, tendon sheath, and bursa.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 44-year-old woman with numbness on the right side of her face, severe headaches, and swelling in temporomandibular region is presented. On head and neck magnetic resonance imaging, an encapsulated mass approximately 2 cm was detected. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy resulted as suspicion of mesenchymal tumor. A complete resection with the capsule was performed over the temporal branch by monitoring of the facial nerve. The final histopathologic examination resulted as a giant cell tendon sheath tumor.

CONCLUSION

Headache is not the main symptom in PVNS, but in severe pain spreading from the temporomandibular region, physical examination should be done carefully for slight swelling, and the possibility of pigmented villonodular synovitis should be considered. Because of the high recurrence rate, en bloc resection is necessary.

Localized pigmented villo-nodular synovitis of trochanteric bursa

This is the first report on a localized pigmented villo-nodular synovitis (PVNS or TSGCT) occurring in the trochanteric bursa. Bursal involvement in PVNS is extremely rare. Most often PVNS occurs either as a localized or diffuse lesion in a major synovial joint, such as the knee, ankle joint or hip joint. In principle, all synovial structures can be involved. The case reported here is remarkable regarding the long period between the occurrence of the first symptoms and the final diagnosis as well as the age of the female patient (75 yrs). Therapeutically a complete resection was performed in order to avoid recurrence. More then three years later the patient did well and there has been no evidence of recurrence yet.

Recurrent diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor of the knee treated with adjuvant radiotherapy: A case report

INTRODUCTION

TGCT (tenosynovial giant cell tumor) is a mono-articular proliferative condition that begins in the synovial membranes. Diffuse TGCT (DTGCT) has more prominent symptoms with high risks of recurrency.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case, we presented a 32-year-old male with recurrent case of DTGCT. The patient has been treated with arthroscopic synovectomy with the recurrence of disease. The patient was finally treated by open synovectomy combined with arthroscopy followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

The aim of this case is to report the success of open synovectomy combined with arthroscopy followed by 31 cycle of adjuvant radiotherapy in the recurrent case of DTGCT.

CONCLUSION

Open synovectomy combined with arthroscopic synovectomy followed by adjuvant RT is a promising treatment modality in patient with DTGCT.

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee joint: 3-year follow-up of a case report

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a proliferative, recurrent and locally invasive disease of the synovium. The symptoms of the disorder are not typical and thus it is very often misdiagnosed. Most of the times, magnetic resonance imaging presents the nodular model of development and sets the basis for the diagnosis. The final diagnosis will be set by the pathological evaluation of the lesion's biopsy. PVNS may be localized (nodule with a clear boundary with/without presence of single pedicle) or diffuse (extensive involvement of the adjacent nerves and vessels). Depending on the extension of the PVNS, a different management approach is performed, lesion excision vs. resection, followed by radiotherapy respectively. We report a case of diffuse PVNS in the knee joint, treated with surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy as well as follow-up imaging after a time period of 3 years.

Long-term Outcomes of Diffuse or Recurrent Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Treated with Postoperative External Beam Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare proliferative disorder of synovial membrane that previously was known as pigmented villonodular synovitis. Primary treatment involves surgical resection; however, complete removal of all disease involvement is difficult to achieve. Radiation may be useful to reduce the risk of recurrence. We report and update our institutional experience treating diffuse and recurrent TGCT with postsurgical external beam radiation therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 30 patients with TGCT from 2003 to 2019 treated with radiation therapy. Each patient was evaluated for demographics, radiation treatment parameters, surgical management, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

With mean follow-up of 82 months (range, 3-211), 24 patients (80%) who underwent surgery followed by radiation therapy did not experience any further relapse, and all 30 patients achieved local control (100%) with additional salvage therapy after radiation therapy. The most common site of disease was the knee (n = 22, 73%), followed by the ankle (n = 5, 16%) and the hand (n = 3, 10%). Seven patients (24%) presented at time of initial diagnosis and 23 (76%) presented with recurrent disease after surgical resection, with an average of 2.6 surgical procedures before radiation therapy. After resection, 18 of 30 patients (67%) demonstrated residual TGCT by imaging. The median radiation therapy dose delivered was 36 Gy (range, 34-36 Gy) in 1.8 to 2.5 Gy/fractions for 4 weeks. In the assessment of posttreatment joint function, 26 sites (86%) exhibited excellent or good function, 2 (7%) fair, and 2 poor (7%) as determined by our scoring system. There were no cases of radiation-associated malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with diffuse or recurrent TGCT, postsurgical external beam radiation therapy provided excellent local control and good functional status, with minimal treatment-related complications. Postsurgical radiation therapy is a well-tolerated noninvasive treatment that should be considered after maximal cytoreductive resection to prevent disease progression and recurrence.

Adjuvant Radiation after Primary Resection of Atypical Lipomatous Tumors of the Extremity Reduces Local Recurrence but Increases Complications: A Multicenter Evaluation

Background

Radiation after resection of an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) is controversial. This study evaluates local control and complications after the first resection of ALTs of the extremity with or without adjuvant radiation.

Methods

A dual institution, retrospective review of patients treated from 1995 to 2020 with first-time resection of an ALT in the extremity was performed. In total, 102 patients underwent adjuvant radiation (XRT group) and 68 patients were treated with surgery alone (no-XRT group). The median follow-up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 2.0–7.3 years). The median radiation dose was 60 Gy (IQR 55–66 Gy). Univariable and multivariable analyses evaluated the association of patient, tumor, and treatment variables with recurrence and complications. Kaplan–Meier analysis evaluated local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and time to complication.

Results

The overall incidence of local recurrence was 1% (1/102) in the XRT group and 24% (16/68) in the no-XRT group (p < 0.001). The median time-to-recurrence was 8.2 years (IQR 6.5–10.5 years). In the XRT and the no-XRT groups, 5-yr LRFS was 98% and 92% (p=0.21) and 10-yr LRFS was 98% and 41% (p < 0.001), respectively. The absence of radiation (HR = 23.63, 95% CI (3.09–180.48); p < 0.001) and R2 surgical resection margins (HR = 11.04, 95% CI (2.07–59.03); p < 0.001) incurred a 23-fold and 11-fold increased risk of local recurrence, respectively, while tumor size, depth, location, and neurovascular involvement were not found to be independent predictors of recurrence. The complication rate was 37% (38/102) in the XRT group and 10% (7/68) in the no-XRT group (p < 0.001). Eight patients (8/102, 8%) required surgical management for complication in the XRT group compared with two patients (2/68, 3%) in the no-XRT group (p=0.10). Higher radiation dose had a modest correlation with increased severity of complication (ρ=0.24; p=0.02).

Conclusions

Adjuvant radiation after first-time resection of an ALT of the extremity was associated with a significantly reduced risk of local recurrence but a three-fold increase in complication rate. These data support a 10-year follow-up for these patients and inform a notable clinical trade-off if considering adjuvant radiation for this tumor with recurrent potential.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of Flexor Hallusis Longus, Flexor Digitorum Longus, Tibialis Posterior: A Rare Case Report

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a locally aggressive benign tumour of the synovial membrane and tendon sheath. The unique presentation of this tumour is hemosiderin deposition with synovial proliferation. Depending on the situation, surgical excision is always the first line of treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy. Arthroscopic excision is preferred in some intraarticular nodular PVNS cases. This is a rare pigmented villonodular synovitis involving flexor hallusis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and tibialis posterior (TP). The tumour was entirely extra-articular without any joint involvement. The tumour was the diffuse type of PVNS and was treated by excision followed by radiotherapy. There is no recurrence till nine months of follow-up.

Surgical Treatment of Sacroiliac Pigment Villous Nodular Synovitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PNVS) is a rare and disabling disease that is thought to occur mostly in the knee joint. Here, the authors first present a unique case of PNVS occurring at the sacroiliac joint. The patient complained of sacroiliac joint pain with mild swelling. CT and MRI showed that the tumor was ~63 by 91 by 107 mm in size, and was considered to be a fibrous borderline or low-grade malignancy. Intraoperative macroscopic features of the synovitis during operation suggested PNVS, which was confirmed by histopathological examination. The clinical symptoms and signs of the disease, in this case, are not obvious, and radiological investigations, including MRI, suggest high aggressiveness. The author believes that it may be more likely to relapse and metastasis and recommends complete removal of the synovial membrane and regular follow-up, while preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy and molecular targeted therapy are not recommended for the time being.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic synovectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip: a case series of single center

Background

Though radiotherapy has been widely used for knee pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), there is few literatures about radiotherapy for the treatment of PVNS hip. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of endoscopic synovectomy with/without radiotherapy postoperatively of PVNS hip.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent endoscopy in our hospital from November 2010 to January 2021. Inclusion criteria was patients with magnetic resonance image (MRI) signs, endoscopic findings and/or histological evidence of PVNS. Exclusion criteria was patients lost follow-up. All patients underwent synovectomy endoscopically and were divided into two groups depending on receiving postoperative radiotherapy or not. The primary outcome measurements were the recurrence of PVNS, receiving revision, and/or converting to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary outcome measurements were the patient-reported outcome (PRO) collected at pre- and post-operation, which consist of Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (IHOT-12), Non-arthritic Hip Scale (NAHS), and visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

In a case series of 16 patients (8 cases of male, 50%), 4 (25%) cases were localized type and 12 (75%) cases were diffuse type. The average follow-up was 44.8 ± 38.2 months (range,3 to 110). 8 (50%) cases (6 diffuse cases and 2 localized cases) received radiotherapy postoperatively, and the rest (6 diffuse cases and 2 localized cases) received endoscopic treatment alone. At the latest follow-up, 3 (18.75%) cases (2 diffuse cases and 1 localized case) who did not receive radiotherapy converted to arthroplasty. The preoperative HOS-ADL, mHHS, IHOT-12, NAHS, VAS scores of remaining 13 patients were 63.1 ± 19.1 (range,32.0 to 98.8), 54.8 ± 20.1 (range, 10.0 to 77.0), 50.9 ± 15.4 (range, 31.0 to 76.6),51.6 ± 15.9 (range, 20.0 to 84.4), 6.0 ± 1.4 (range,4.0 to 8.0) points, respectively. The latest HOS-ADL, mHHS, IHOT-12, NAHS, VAS scores of the 13 patients were 79.7 ± 10.8 (range, 58.0 to 97.6), 78.6 ± 9.1 (range,55.0 to 87.0), 74.7 ± 9.7 (range, 55.6 to 91.0), 78.9 ± 18.7 (range,20.0 to 92.5), 3.1 ± 1.2 (range,2.0 to 6.0) points respectively.

Conclusion

Endoscopic synovectomy can achieve satisfactory PRO in PVNS hip patients. Besides, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy can achieve higher hip survivability than synovectomy alone in this present study.

Pexidartinib in the Management of Advanced Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: Focus on Patient Selection and Special Considerations

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a neoplasm of the joint synovium that can have severe impacts on joint mobility, function, and quality of life. Traditionally, treatment modalities included partial or complete surgical synovectomy, radiotherapy (typically as an adjunct to surgery), and watchful monitoring (no medical or surgical intervention). However, these approaches have been met with varying degrees of success and high recurrence rates, as well as onerous complications and clinical sequelae. Pexidartinib, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor, presents a promising molecular approach that targets a neoplastic driver of TGCT. While the introduction of pexidartinib allows clinicians to avoid the significant morbidity associated with traditional treatment options, there are also defined risks associated with pexidartinib treatment. Therefore, patient selection is critical in optimizing treatment modalities in TGCT. The purpose of this literature review is to identify the TGCT patient population that would derive maximal benefit with minimal risk from pexidartinib, and to determine the specific indications and contraindications for selecting pexidartinib over other therapeutic approaches. Specifically, this paper compares the efficacy and safety profile of pexidartinib across clinical and preclinical studies to that of surgery, radiotherapy, and watchful monitoring. Rates of improvement in joint mobility, pain, and recurrence-free survival across studies of pexidartinib have been encouraging. The most common adverse events are mild (hypopigmentation of the hair) or reversible (transient aminotransferase elevation). Severe or permanent adverse events (notably cholestatic hepatotoxicity) are rare. While the optimal treatment strategy remains highly dependent on a patient's clinical circumstances and treatment goals, pexidartinib has surfaced as a promising therapeutic in cases where the morbidity of surgery or radiotherapy outweighs the benefits.

Postoperative radiotherapy for pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS): case series and literature review

Purpose:

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign proliferative disease of the synovium with locally aggressive behaviour. We reviewed our experience using external beam radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of PVNS.

Method:

We report five cases of PVNS who underwent Arthroscopic Synovectomy followed by postoperative RT in National Oncology centre in Oman. The total dose RT ranges between 30 and 36 Gray (Gy) Three-dimensional radiotherapy technique.

Conclusion:

Postoperative RT is effective in preventing disease recurrence and should be offered following maximal cytoreduction to enhance local control in PVNS.

Long-term functional outcomes of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of knee: The role of adjuvant radiotherapy

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of knee is a rare benign disease that has a destructive clinical course. Synovectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) have been reported as treatment options but literatures reporting functional outcomes were sparse. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and disease control among treatment modalities through the 22 years of experience.A single-center database was searched for patients who received synovectomy of knee with the pathologic diagnosis of PVNS. General data, treatment modalities, and recurrent status were retrospectively collected from medical records. Functional outcomes were evaluated by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index through phone interviews by an independent orthopedist.From January 1995 to December 2017, 24 patients with diffuse PVNS of knee were identified, including 19 receiving open synovectomy (OP) and 5 undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Adjuvant RT was performed on 14 patients with a median dose of 35 Gy (range 20-40 Gy). After median follow up of 6 years, recurrences were recorded in 10 cases. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the OP + RT group than the OP group (8.3% vs 57.1%, P = .038). Among those with preserved knee joints, there was no significant difference in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score and stiffness score between patients in the OP + RT and OP groups.For patients with diffuse PVNS of knee, the addition of moderate-dose adjuvant RT following OP provided excellent local control while maintaining good joint function with limited treatment-related morbidity. Our study emphasized the importance of moderate dose RT in diffuse PVNS of knee joint.

Spinal pigmented villonodular synovitis and tenosynovial giant cell tumor: A report of two cases and a comprehensive systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a lesion of uncertain etiology that involves the synovial membranes of joints or tendon sheaths, representing a diffuse and non-encapsulated form of the more common giant cell tumors of the synovium (GCTTS). PVNS was reclassified to denote a diffuse form of synovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT), while 'giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS)' was used for localized lesions. These pathologies rarely affect the axial skeleton. We provide an unprecedented and extensive systematic review of both lesions highlighting presentation, diagnostic considerations, treatment, prognosis, and outcomes, and we report a short case-series.

METHOD

We describe two-cases and conduct a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

RESULT

PVNS was identified in most of the cases reviewed (91.6 %), manifesting predominantly in the cervical spine (40 %). Patients commonly presented with neck pain (59 %), back pain (53 %), and lower back pain (81.2 %) for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar lesions, respectively. GTR occurred at rates of 94 %, 80 %, and 87.5 %. Recurrence was most common in the lumbar region (30.7 %). GCTTS cases (8%) manifested in the cervical and thoracic spine at the same frequency. We reported first case of GCTTS in the lumbosacral region. Both poses high rate of facet and epidural involvements.

CONCLUSION

Spinal PVNS and GCTTS are rare. These lesions manifest most commonly as PVNS within the cervical spine. Both types have a high rate of facet and epidural involvement, while PVNS has the highest rate of recurrence within the lumbar spine. The clinical and radiological features of these lesions make them difficult to differentiate from others with similar histogenesis, necessitating tissue diagnosis. Proper management via GTR resolves the lesion, with low rates of recurrence.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: case report and the literature review for postoperative radiotherapy

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder of the synovium that usually involves joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It presents rarely, however, in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This paper reports a 59-year-old female patient with PVNS of the TMJ and its clinico-pathologic features are discussed. The patient was treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). Follow-up was conducted, and there were no recurrences, metastases, skin changes or joint stiffness noted. The main treatment of PVNS is surgical resection. However, postoperative radiotherapy is important for local control of extensive tumors or positive margins. We conducted a literature review for postoperative radiotherapy case reports related to PVNS of the TMJ.

The predictive value of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the recurrence of the local pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee joint

Background

To explore and evaluate the predictive value of preoperative Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the recurrence of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee joint treated by arthroscopic surgery combining local radiotherapy.

Methods

Sixty pathological-proven PVNS cases of the knee joint in our department from April 2006 to March 2017 were included. All of them are treated by arthroscopic synovectomy combined with adjuvant radiotherapy. The pre-operative hematological indexes such as c-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), NLR, Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and Lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) were collected retrospectively and their relationship with postoperative recurrence was analyzed by using univariate and multivariate analysis, the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curve), the Kappa correspondence test and the Mc Nemar Chi-square test.

Results

All 60 patients were followed up for a median of 52.8 months (7–138 months) and the recurrence rate is about 23.3% (14/60). There is a significant difference in NLR between the recurrent and non-recurrent group (P = 0.002). It had a certain correlation with postoperative recurrence (correlation coefficient r = 0.438, P = 0.001). The optimal thresholds in ROC curve were 2.42 (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 78.3% respectively). which had predictive ability for recurrence after arthroscopic treatment.

Conclusion

The preoperative NLR is an easy and cost-effective predictor for relapse in PVNS of the knee joint after the arthroscopic surgery combined with local radiotherapy, which is of profound significance to guide clinical work.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: A Comprehensive Review and Proposed Treatment Algorithm

Evidence now exists suggesting a neoplastic origin for pigmented villonodular synovitis, including a thorough description of the translocations involved. Arthroscopic excision for localized pigmented villonodular synovitis allows for both minimal recurrence and morbidity when compared with open excision; however, open excision still plays an important role in treating posterior compartment nodules. The optimal surgical treatment for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis is still a matter for debate, with combined anterior arthroscopic and open posterior excision being considered the preferred method. Radiation therapy has re-emerged as an additional treatment method for pigmented villonodular synovitis; however, the potential for serious toxicity makes it a questionable option, especially for such a benign condition. Small molecule and monoclonal antibody targeted therapies are being investigated as novel treatment methods for pigmented villonodular synovitis, with promising results.

Necessity of adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an idiopathic, proliferative disorder lesion of synovial tissue, which is regarded as a benign disease, but has a local invasion. Up to now, these are no consensus about the etiology and pathogenesis of PVNS. Because of the lack of typical clinical features, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are not uncommon, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assist diagnosis and histopathological examination is recognized as the gold standard for the final diagnosis. Because this disease is so rare, there is no standard treatment. Surgical resection of the lesion is considered the preferred treatment, but postoperative recurrence is a problem that cannot be ignored. Postoperative radiotherapy is necessary, especially for patients with diffuse PVNS of the knee.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 27-year-old female teacher presented with 3 years chronic pain of the right knee, and progressive swelling aggravated for 1 week. The range of motion of the knee was limited.

DIAGNOSES

Clinical and laboratory examination failed to provide definitive diagnosis. Imaging can assist in diagnosis, and pathology is the gold standard. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), antihemolytic streptococcus O (ASO), and rheumatoid factors (RF) were all negative. Joint puncture revealed giant cell tumor of the synovial membrane. PVNS was confirmed by postoperative pathology. The characteristic T2 weighted low signal of MRI suggests the recurrence of PVNS.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent 2 stages of treatment: open synovectomy was performed in the first place and postoperative external radiotherapy was not considered. After 2 years of disease-free remission, she was diagnosed with a recurrence of the disease by MRI. Further, arthroscopic total synovectomy of the right knee was performed and external beam radiotherapy was carried out after the operation.

OUTCOMES

Up to now, the patient was followed up for 3 years without any sign of recurrence.

LESSONS

Adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy can improve the local control rate, it is a reliable treatment method for diffused PVNS.

Surgical treatment for diffused-type giant cell tumor (pigmented villonodular synovitis) about the ankle joint

Background

Diffused-type giant cell tumor(Dt-GCT) is a rare, aggressive disorder of the joint synovium, bursa and tendon sheaths. Osseous erosions and subchondral cysts may develop as the result of synovium infiltration in Dt-GCT. We present a retrospective study of a series of patients who are diagnosed with Dt-GCT about the ankle joint, there clinical outcome is evaluated in this study.

Material and method

Fifteen patients with radiologically and histologically confirmed Dt-GCT about the ankle joint were identified in our foot and ankle department. Patients were managed with open synovectomy for the tumor tissue and bone grafting for bony erosions. X-rays and MRI scans were used for evaluation of the tumor and bony erosions pre- and post-operatively. Pre- and post-operative ankle function was assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society –Ankle and Hindfoot (AOFAS-AH) score and the Muscularskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 37.4 months (range 25 to 50 months). There were 6 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 35 years old (range 18 to 65 years). All patients had talar erosion with the average size of 10.1*9.1*8.2 mm, distal tibia was affected in 5 patients with the average size of 6.2*5.6*5.8 mm. 7 patients had tendon involvement, 2 patients had recurrence and progression of ankle osteoarthritis. Both of them underwent ankle fusion. At the time of last follow-up, the mean AOFAS-AH score increased from 49 to 80 points (p < 0.05), the MSTS score increased from 12 to 22 points (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

For Dt-GCT with bony erosions, open synovectomy combined with bone grafting seems to be a safe and effective operation for the salvage of ankle joint. Fusion is recommended for failed and severe cartilage destruction of the ankle joint.

[The diffuse giant cell tumor of tendon sheath with chondroid metaplasia in right temporomandibular joint: a case report]

A case diagnosed as diffuse giant cell tumor of tendon sheath with chondroid metaplasia in right temporomandibular joint was reported. The clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and treatment were discussed with the literature review.

Cancer risk after radiotherapy for benign diseases

Radiotherapy with low to intermediate doses has been historically employed for the management of several benign diseases. The exposure to ionizing radiation may increase the probability for carcinogenesis. The knowledge of this probability is of value for weighting the benefits and risks of radiotherapy against different therapeutic approaches. This study initially reviews the epidemiologic data associated with the cancer induction due to radiotherapy for non-malignant conditions in previous decades. Most of these data were derived from patients irradiated with conventional techniques, which are no longer applied, for some benign diseases not treated with radiotherapy nowadays. The follow-up of a series of patients undergoing modern radiotherapy for benign disorders may be used for estimating the radiation-induced cancer risk. The realization of this process is often difficult due to the relatively small number of patients undergoing radiation therapy for such diseases in many countries and due to long latent period for the appearance of a malignancy after exposure. The combination of dosimetric data, which can be obtained by phantom measurements or treatment planning systems or Monte Carlo calculations, with the appropriate linear and non-linear risk models may lead to theoretical estimates of the radiotherapy-induced cancer risks. The limitations of the method providing a whole-body cancer risk based on the effective dose concept are presented. The theoretical organ-specific risks for carcinogenesis give useful information about the development of malignancies at any in-field, partially in-field and out-of-field critical site. The uncertainties of the organ-dependent cancer risk estimates are discussed.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the cervical spine: case report and review of the literature

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an uncommon, benign, but locally aggressive lesion characterized most commonly by synovial proliferation of the appendicular large joints, but occasionally involving a bursa or the tendon sheath. PVNS of the spine is rare, typically involving the posterior elements. The lytic radiographic appearance and fludeoxyglucose avidity of PVNS may mimic malignant bone lesions, including metastatic disease or myeloma. On T₁ and T₂ weighted, and gradient recalled echo MRI sequences, the low signal intensity may mimic giant cell tumour of the bone, gout or synovial amyloid deposits, thus posing a diagnostic dilemma for the imagers and the treating clinicians. We present a pathologically confirmed case of PVNS of the cervical spine in a 49-year-old female, detailing her imaging work-up, describing histopathological correlation and highlighting the lesion location and involvement of the joint space as useful imaging discriminators for diagnosing PVNS of the cervical spine.

[Synovial tumors and tumor-like lesions]

Synovial tumors comprise a variety of lesions, including those with benign and aggressive neoplastic changes as well as inflammatory causes. In this article we focus on neoplastic tumors. Synovial tumors with other etiologies, such as sarcoidosis, granuloma, synovitis, or gouty arthritis, are not dealt with here. Through a precise differentiation between these disease entities can an optimization of treatment be achieved.

Refractory knee giant cell tumor of the synovial membrane treated with intra-articular injection of Infliximab: a case series and review of the literature

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the synovial membrane, also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis, causes a progressive, relapsing and destructive arthropathy affecting one or more synovial joints. Systemic therapy can be combined to intra-articular treatments, including surgical synoviectomy, especially when monoarticular. Despite that, the synovial membrane commonly grows again with clinical relapse. Here, we report three case of patients diagnosed with GCT of the knee who had an early relapse of the disease even after surgical synoviectomy. All of them underwent intra-articular therapy with infliximab and subsequent synoviectomy to eradicate residual tissue. A complete remission of CGT was achieved without relapse occurring during the follow-up. These preliminary data need to be confirmed by further clinical trials; however, intra-articular therapy with infliximab might be deemed a potential option to treat CGT of a single joint.

Postoperative radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint

BACKGROUND

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare/benign condition of the synovial joint lining. It most commonly presents in the knee but has also been reported to occur in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Although there are several series reporting the use of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for extremity PVNS, there is scant literature on the use of PORT for PVNS of the TMJ.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review for case reports related to PVNS of the TMJ and discuss two additional cases treated with surgery and PORT.

RESULTS

71 cases were found in the literature. 89% were the diffuse subtype. 92% had primary surgery and 7% had PORT. 68% were locally controlled. Both patients treated at our institution are locally controlled.

CONCLUSIONS

PVNS of the TMJ is a rare entity. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment but PORT may be useful for local control of extensive tumors or positive margins.

Treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine the rate of local recurrence, the rate of postoperative complications, and the functional outcome at final follow-up of surgical and nonsurgical treatment approaches for pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies that reported the results of treatment for any type of PVNS between January 1, 1950, and August 1, 2013. Two authors extracted the data independently using predefined data fields including study quality indicators.

RESULTS

Sixty studies (1,019 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-five presented data on the treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS), 40 on diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (DPVNS), 1 on extra-articular LPVNS, and 7 on DPVNS with extra-articular involvement. Many therapeutic options were reported. Depending on these options, DPVNS recurred in 8% to 70% of the series and LPVNS recurred in 0% to 8% of the series. For LPVNS, the 2 most-reported options were open localized synovectomy and arthroscopic local synovectomy. Between these 2 courses of treatment, no difference was found in terms of local recurrence (8.7% for open synovectomy and 6.9% for arthroscopic synovectomy) and postoperative complications (<1% for open synovectomy and 0% for arthroscopic synovectomy). For DPVNS, the 2 most-reported options were open total synovectomy and arthroscopic total synovectomy. Between these 2 courses of treatment, no difference was found in terms of local recurrence (22.6% for open synovectomy and 16.1% for arthroscopic synovectomy). However, we found a lower rate of reported complications between open synovectomy (19.3%) and arthroscopic synovectomy (0%). Internal irradiation or external beam radiation as an adjuvant treatment to surgical synovectomy seemed to decrease the rate of local recurrence in DPVNS cases with a high risk of recurrence. Finally, we found a great heterogeneity in the way the functional results were reported, and no valid conclusion could be made based on the data we extracted.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no difference in local recurrence rates after open or arthroscopic surgery for either LPVNS or DPVNS. However, a lower rate of postoperative complications was reported after arthroscopic surgery for DPVNS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level IV therapeutic studies.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension: A case series and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative disorder of the synovial membrane. PVNS generally affects large joints but occasionally involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with occasional extension into the middle cranial fossa. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with PVNS along with a focused literature review.

METHODS

Patients with PVNS of the TMJ treated at the University of California - San Francisco from 2007 to 2013 were reviewed. A PubMed search was performed to identify additional cases.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent surgical resection, with 1 recurrence at 61 months. A literature review identified 58 patients, 19 of which had intracranial involvement. Interestingly, intracranial extension was more common in men. Intracranial extension was not associated with an increased rate of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

PVNS of the TMJ is a rare entity associated with excellent outcomes, even with intracranial extension. Management should consist of maximal resection, with radiotherapy reserved for extensive or recurrent lesions.

Pigmented villo-nodular synovitis and giant-cell tumor of tendon sheaths: a binational retrospective study

AIM

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is rare. Thus, we initiated a retrospective multi-center study regarding symptoms, location, type of disease, type of surgery, number of recurrences, use of adjuvant therapies and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Ten centers contributed. Data from 173 patients were sampled. The disease was seen predominantly in joints, less frequently in tendon sheaths and bursae. Patients with articular lesions suffered mainly from the diffuse type. In tendon sheaths, the relation "diffuse versus nodular" was nearly 50 % each, in bursae most often the nodular type was found. Anatomically, mostly the knee was affected. Institutions with more than 20 patients had a lower rate of recurrence than those with less than 20 cases. Regarding the knee, there were less recurrences in joints treated with open synovectomy than in those treated arthroscopically.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the rate of recurrence has been rather high, the use of adjuvant treatments (radiosynoviorthesis or radiotherapy) is recommended. In our study, the rate of their application was quite low. Patients who received an adjuvant therapy after primary surgery did not show any recurrence. In 14 % of patients in whom an adjuvant therapy had been used, after at least one recurrence, further recurrences were observed. Functional results were excellent in 84 % of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic multi-center study, Level III.

The management of diffuse-type giant cell tumour (pigmented villonodular synovitis) and giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (nodular tenosynovitis)

Giant cell tumours (GCT) of the synovium and tendon sheath can be classified into two forms: localised (giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath, or nodular tenosynovitis) and diffuse (diffuse-type giant cell tumour or pigmented villonodular synovitis). The former principally affects the small joints. It presents as a solitary slow-growing tumour with a characteristic appearance on MRI and is treated by surgical excision. There is a significant risk of multiple recurrences with aggressive diffuse disease. A multidisciplinary approach with dedicated MRI, histological assessment and planned surgery with either adjuvant radiotherapy or systemic targeted therapy is required to improve outcomes in recurrent and refractory diffuse-type GCT. Although arthroscopic synovectomy through several portals has been advocated as an alternative to arthrotomy, there is a significant risk of inadequate excision and recurrence, particularly in the posterior compartment of the knee. For local disease partial arthroscopic synovectomy may be sufficient, at the risk of recurrence. For both local and diffuse intra-articular disease open surgery is advised for recurrent disease. Marginal excision with focal disease will suffice, not dissimilar to the treatment of GCT of tendon sheath. For recurrent and extra-articular soft-tissue disease adjuvant therapy, including intra-articular radioactive colloid or moderate-dose external beam radiotherapy, should be considered.

A multidisciplinary approach to giant cell tumors of tendon sheath and synovium--a critical appraisal of literature and treatment proposal

Giant cell tumors deriving from synovium are classified into a localized (GCT of tendon sheath; GCT-TS) and diffuse form (diffuse-type GCT, Dt-GCT). We propose a multidisciplinary management based upon a systematic review and authors' opinion. Open excision for GCT-TS and open synovectomy (plus excision) for Dt-GCT is advised to reduce the relatively high recurrence risk. External beam radiotherapy should be considered in severe cases, as Dt-GCT commonly extends extra-articular.

Low-dose external beam radiotherapy as a postoperative treatment for patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: 4 recurrences in 23 patients followed for mean 9 years

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative disorder involving synovial membranes, and patients with PVNS have a variable prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes after synovectomy plus low-dose external beam radiotherapy for diffuse PVNS of the knee.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 23 patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy between 1998 and 2007. 19 patients had primary disease and 4 had recurrent disease with an average of 2.5 prior surgeries. After synovectomy (17 arthroscopic surgeries; 6 open), all 23 patients received 4-MV or 6-MV external beam radiotherapy with a median dose of 20 (12-34) Gy in 10 fractions.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 9 (0.8-12) years, 4 patients had recurrent disease, with a median disease-free interval of 5 years. Of these 4 patients, 3 received salvage synovectomy and regained local control. Univariate analysis showed that age, sex, history of trauma, and total dose of radiation were not predictive of local control. 22 patients reported excellent or good joint function, and 1 who refused salvage synovectomy had poor joint function. None of the patients experienced grade 3 or higher radiation-related toxicity or radiation-induced secondary malignancies.

INTERPRETATION

Postoperative external beam radiotherapy is an effective and acceptable modality to prevent local recurrence and preserve joint function in patients with diffuse PVNS of the knee. Low-dose (20 Gy) radiotherapy appears to be as effective as moderate-dose treatment (around 35 Gy).

Treatment of tenosynovial giant cell tumor and pigmented villonodular synovitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review recent developments in the molecular pathogenesis of tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) or pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and its therapeutic implications.

RECENT FINDINGS

TGCT or PVNS is a benign clonal neoplastic proliferation arising from the synovium characterized by a minor population of intratumoral cells that harbor a recurrent translocation. These cells overexpress CSF1, resulting in recruitment of CSF1R-bearing macrophages that are polyclonal and make up the bulk of the tumor. Inhibition of CSF1R using small molecule inhibitors such as imatinib, nilotinib or sunitinib can result in clinical, radiological and functional improvement in the affected joint.

SUMMARY

Currently, surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with TGCT/PVNS. Localized TGCT/PVNS is managed by marginal excision. Recurrences occur in 8-20% of patients and are easily managed by re-excision. Diffuse TGCT/PVNS tends to recur more often (33-50%) and has a much more aggressive clinical course. Patients are often symptomatic and require multiple surgical procedures during their lifetime. For patients with unresectable disease or multiple recurrences, systemic therapy using CSF1R inhibitors may help delay or avoid surgical procedures and improve functional outcomes.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: case report and review of the literature

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an aggressive proliferative lesion that usually involves the synovial tissues of big joints. To date, there are ∼52 cases of PVNS affecting the temporomandibular joint reported in the English-language literature, about one-third of them exhibiting intracranial involvement. We herein describe an additional case of PVNS of the temporomandibular joint with skull base invasion affecting a 26-year-old male patient and discuss its clinicopathologic features considering previously published cases. Histopathology and imaging evaluation are important for the diagnosis of PVNS, which should be included in the differential diagnosis of preauricular aggressive swellings.

Translating gene expression into clinical care: sarcomas as a paradigm

Whereas most solid tumors are characterized by considerable genetic instability and molecular heterogeneity, sarcomas include many subtypes with very specific underlying molecular events driving oncogenesis. Gene expression profiling and other modern techniques have consequently had particular success in identifying the critical biologic pathways active in specific sarcomas, yielding insights which can be translated into useful diagnostic biomarkers. Public availability of data sets and new sequencing-based technologies will accelerate this process. Molecular studies have also identified oncogenic pathways of particular importance in sarcomas which can be targeted by investigational drugs. Examples include histone deacetylases in translocation-associated sarcomas of young adults, Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin in pleomorphic sarcomas, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in tenosynovial giant cell tumor. Despite challenges in organization and accrual, future clinical trials of sarcomas need to be designed that take into account specific molecular subtypes as distinct diseases.