Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint - computed tomography and magnetic resonance findings: a case report

Pigmented villonodular synovitis and rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations in a case of knee pain

We present a case of a woman in her 30s who visited the rheumatology clinic due to her persistent knee pain for 5 years, which spread to multiple joints. She was diagnosed with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While most joints responded well to methotrexate and subsequently etanercept, persistent unilateral knee pain prompted further investigation. Imaging revealed synovitis and joint effusion in her knee, prompting arthroscopy and synovial biopsy, revealing pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Despite initial success with a tricompartmental synovectomy, her disease recurred. The decision was made to pursue medical therapy, with pexidartinib initiated by the oncology team. Our case report highlights the importance of considering other underlying conditions in patients with RA who do not achieve full clinical improvement despite standard treatment. Physicians should remain vigilant for atypical presentations and imaging features in patients with RA, for early recognition of PVNS can significantly impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

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.

Management of tenosynovial giant cell tumour of the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review

Diffuse type tenosynovial giant cell tumour of the temporomandibular joint (D-TGCT-TMJ) is a rare proliferative disorder. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to summarize D-TGCT-TMJ management regimes and recurrence rates with at least 12 months of follow-up. Our secondary aim was to propose a minimum period of post-operative follow-up. A medline search for any D-TGCT-TMJ case detailing treatment, follow-up of at least 12 months, and presence of recurrence was undertaken. The following variables were extracted from the studies: patient's age and sex, presence of middle cranial fossa invasion, treatment undertaken, total length of follow-up, and presence of recurrence. All studies were assessed for bias as per the Joanna Briggs Institute systematic reviews appraisal tool. There were 63 cases reviewed and were predominantly managed with total resection (60.3%). Other modalities included: arthroplasty, subtotal resection with or without postoperative radiotherapy, medical therapy and surveillance. The recurrence rate was 9.52% and the longest follow-up period where recurrence was observed was at 60 months. Total resection and arthroplasty are common D-TGCT-TMJ management regimes. Patients with D-TGCT-TMJ should be followed up annually for at least 5 years postoperatively to assess for 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.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis Presenting as Unilateral Hearing Loss: Review of the Literature and Case Report

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To review the existing literature on pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and report a rare case of PVNS of the TMJ presenting with unilateral hearing loss.

METHODS

Review of the existing literature and a description of personal experience with PVNS of the TMJ presenting with unilateral hearing loss.

RESULTS

Review of the existing literature revealed 76 reported cases of PVNS of the TMJ. The most common presenting symptom was of a slowly enlarging mass or swelling of the preauricular area, with dysfunctional TMJ also frequently reported. All patients underwent surgical excision with some pursuing radiation as adjuvant therapy. Presented Patient: A 46-year-old man presented with several months of unilateral subjective hearing loss and aural fullness. Imaging revealed a mass centered along the superior TMJ with expansion through the squamous temporal bone and extra-axial intracranial extension into the middle cranial fossa. Imaging characteristics and fine-needle aspiration biopsy were consistent with PVNS.

INTERVENTION

The patient underwent near-total excision of the mass via frontotemporal craniectomy and lateral temporal bone resection.

FOLLOW-UP

At the 16-month follow-up there was no evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

PVNS of the TMJ represents a rare entity that can present with a variety of symptoms including unilateral hearing loss.

Chondroid tenosynovial giant cell tumour: a rarity in the temporomandibular joint

Tenosynovial giant cell tumours of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are extremely rare, particularly the subset of chondroid tumours. They can be broadly divided into localised and diffuse types, of which we know of only 116 reported cases in the TMJ. Rarer still are the subset of chondroid tenosynovial giant cell tumours, of which we know of only 30 cases that have affected the TMJ. We present a case that involved the TMJ, and include a discussion of its management.

Diffuse Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Around the Temporomandibular Joint: An Entity With Special Radiologic and Pathologic Features

PURPOSE

Diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. The aim of the present study was to summarize the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of this tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine cases of TGCT in the TMJ region were examined. All available radiologic and pathologic documents were carefully reviewed. These cases were grouped into 3 types according to the radiologic features: bone-centered type, intraosseous type, and soft tissue type. Cases reported in the literature were reviewed to better summarize the clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

TGCTs in the TMJ region showed some special radiologic and pathologic features. Radiologically, the lesion could be centered in the craniofacial bone or centered in the surrounding soft tissue. Four cases were categorized as the bone-centered type, 1 was categorized as the intraosseous type, and 4 were categorized as the soft tissue type. Pathologically, epithelioid mononuclear cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei were observed in all cases. Chondroid metaplasia was noted in 8 cases. Some areas were similar to giant cell reparative granuloma and chondroblastoma. All patients who underwent complete tumor resection showed no evidence of recurrence at follow-up. Of the 93 reported cases, only 5 developed postoperative recurrence and distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

TGCTs of the TMJ region share similar radiologic and pathologic features as other tumors, which indicates the TGCT might be a special entity within a spectrum of diseases.

[CT imaging features of diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor of temporomandibular joint]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the characteristic features of CT images of diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TSGCT) from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to understand CT imaging diagnosis of the disease.

METHODS

CT images and clinical information from 10 patients with D-TSGCT of TMJ were recruited for retrospective analysis from March 2013 to March 2017 in Peking University Hospital of Stomatology. All cases were treated by surgery and confirmed by pathology.

RESULTS

CT scan demonstrated hyperdense soft-tissue masses and various kinds of calcification in all of the 10 subjects. Contrast-enhanced scan exhibited obvious enhancement in six patients. Bone destruction of the mandibular condyles and skull base was found in seven and six subjects, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CT appearance of D-TSGCT of the TMJ is characterized by hyperdense soft tissue with calcification, further enhancement in contrast-enhanced scan, and bone destruction in the mandibular condyles and skull base in some cases.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of Thumb-A Cytological Diagnosis

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a unique benign proliferative process of unknown aetiology involving the synovial lined joints diffusely or focally. The entity remains a diagnostic challenge. This condition is attributed to an increased synovial proliferation causing villous or nodular changes of synovial lined joints leading to PVNS, Pigmented Villonodular Bursitis (PVNB) when arising from bursae or Pigmented Villonodular Tenosynovitis (PVNTS) originating from the tendon sheath. We present a case of a young female with nodular masses on right thumb with cytomorphological features on FNAC suggestive of PVNS which was finally confirmed by histopathology.

Arthroscopic approach for treating a pigmented villonodular sinovitis of TMJ. A case report

The present report describes the case of a 29-year-old man referred to our service for TMJ pain and progressive reduction of the mouth opening. Differential diagnostics included rheumatologic diseases, monoarthritis and intraarticular lumps. In this line, a face CT scan and a MRI of TMJ were carried out in order to ensure a proper diagnosis. These tests showed a solid lesion into the joint cavity. In view of that, we decided to perform a diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy of TMJ. Histopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of pigmented villonodular synovitis. The main aim of this report is to describe this rare syndrome with the goal of proposing suitable treatments. Moreover, we highlight the benefits of using arthroscopic procedures in the cases which the tumor is still confined to the joint. As far as we are aware, scientific literature documents only a single case of pigmented villonodular synovitis of TMJ treated with arthroscopic approach. Key words:Arthroscopic approach, pigmented villonodular synovitis, TMJ, mouth opening.