Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Manifestations of Spinal Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis.

OBJECTIVE

To study computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of spinal pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

Findings from CT (n = 7) and MRI (n = 5) of 7 cases of spinal PVNS, diagnosed by pathological examination, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

One case presented with a small lesion, whereas the remaining 6 cases showed lobulated soft tissue masses centering on the facet joints, with lytic expansive destruction of the bone. The CT density of lesions in 3 cases was similar to that of the surrounding muscles, whereas the remaining 4 cases had lesions that were slightly hypodense relative to muscle. Among 5 cases for which MRI was available, 1 lesion was small with a hypointense edge, 1 manifested homogenous intensity without any obvious hypointense nodule, and multiple hypointensity nodules were visible in the remaining cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The CT and MR manifestations of spinal PVNS have certain characteristics and can provide the basis for the preoperative diagnosis.