Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in a 15-Month-Old Boy Challenged the Physicians for Two Years: A Case Report and Literature Review

Afshin Taheriazam; Reza Mohamadnejad; Salar Baghbani; Behzad Khanmohammadi; Amin Dindar Mehrabani; Asal Farokhzadeh

doi:10.18502/jost.v9i4.13937

Afshin Taheriazam Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Farhikhtegan Hospital, School of Medicine, Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Reza Mohamadnejad Resident, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Salar Baghbani Resident, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sina Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Behzad Khanmohammadi Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Farhikhtegan Hospital, School of Medicine, Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Amin Dindar Mehrabani Medical Student, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Farhikhtegan Hospital, School of Medicine, Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Asal Farokhzadeh Medical Student, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Farhikhtegan Hospital, School of Medicine, Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v9i4.13937

Keywords: Case Reports; Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis; Synovial Membrane

Abstract

Background: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a very rare pathology of the synovial membrane and even less common in the pediatric group. Rarity leads to misdiagnosis in pre-puberty cases, which may waste significant time for the patient before definite treatment. Reviewing such cases is useful for every pediatrician or orthopedic surgeon to avoid misdiagnosing possible cases.

Case Report: We report a 15-month-old boy who suffered pain and swelling in his knee for about two years before he was eventually diagnosed with PVNS and underwent surgery. Keeping this diagnosis in mind may have saved him and his family from two years of pain, several admissions, and unnecessary prescriptions.

Conclusion: PVNS in pediatrics is rare, but it can occur and be misdiagnosed for diseases such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and septic arthritis which elongates the pain period. PVNS responds well to subtotal synovectomy, and symptoms are relieved after the surgery if well performed.