Pechlivanis I, Tannapfel A, Tüttenberg J, Harders A, Schmieder K
Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg.
Z Orthop Unfall. 2009 Mar-Apr;147(2):220-4. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1185526. Epub 2009 Apr 8.
Spinal diffuse-type giant cell tumours (also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis [PVNS]) are benign. Their occurrence in the thoracic spine is a very rare entity, nevertheless it should be considered in the differential diagnosis. We report about the case of a 35-year-old male presenting with an osteolytic and expansive mass compressing the spinal cord from C7 to Th2. Surgical resection was performed. Histopathological diagnosis was PVNS. 2 years postoperatively the patient was without pain and fully reintegrated in his previous job as a physician.