pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVS)

• monoarthritis
• young adults
• benign neoplasm affecting extremity joints

• subchondral erosions on BOTH sides of joint (!)
• hemosiderin deposited in synovium (with characteristic low signal on MR)
• articular cartilage preserved (despite extensive marginal erosions; similar to gout)
• NO calcification, but soft tissue may appear dense on X-ray/CT

• TB (associated atrophy of muscle + bone)
• rheumatoid arthritis (symmetrical)
• synovial sarcoma (+/- calcified; outside joint)
• synovial osteochondromatosis

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18