Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor in the Hand: Experience with 173 Cases

Recurrent Localized Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Left Ring Finger: A Case Report and Literature Review

Here, we report the case of recurrent swelling and pain in the proximal interphalangeal joint of the left ring finger, which was later diagnosed as a localized tenosynovial giant cell tumor in a young adult female. The first presentation was at the same anatomical site four years prior. Examination at presentation showed a firm skin-colored nodule in the volar aspect of the left ring finger. The swelling was seen to be partly attached to underlying structures and was non-tender. After a careful physical examination and plain radiograph imaging of the hand, the two differential diagnoses considered were tenosynovial giant cell tumor and ganglion cyst. A surgical excision was performed, and histopathologic evaluation showed features consistent with a tenosynovial giant cell tumor, localized type. The resection margins were clear of tumor. The patient had no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative physiotherapy was recommended. No recurrence was seen after postoperative surgical follow-up for one year. This report highlights the importance of histopathologic evaluation and confirmation of clear surgical margins in the management of tenosynovial giant cell tumors. In recurrent cases, surgical re-excision with clear margins provides good clinical outcomes. Before surgical excision, patients should be informed about the biologic nature of the lesion and the high risk of recurrence. The management modalities to prevent recurrence and the need for long-term follow-up should also be discussed with the patient.

Locally Invasive Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Wrist Treated by Arthroscopic Resection and Bone Grafting

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign but locally aggressive neoplasm that can affect tendon sheath, bursae, or joint. The wrist joint however is uncommonly involved and here we present a case of chronic monoarticular joint pain and swelling in a healthcare professional that was later histologically verified to be PVNS of the radiocarpal joint. The patient had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed prior to surgery which showed a locally invasive bony tumor of the scaphoid. He subsequently underwent a wrist arthroscopic evaluation and resection with bone grafting as the index surgery and made an uneventful postoperative recovery. This is a novel technique to address PVNS of the wrist as these cases are usually managed using open procedures which can lead to additional scarring and disrupt the blood supply of the joint capsule.

Localized tenosynovial giant cell tumor in children

Background

To investigate the clinical characteristics and surgical efficacy of localized tenosynovial giant cell tumors in children.

Methods

The clinical data, surgery, and follow-up results of 17 children with localized tenosynovial giant cell tumors who visited our hospital from 2011 to 2021 were collected for statistical analysis.

Results

The median patient age was 7 years and 8 months, and the ratio of males to females was 1.43 (10/7). The predilection of disease was similar in hands and feet, and the common presenting symptom was mass. One patient experienced recurrence after surgery, and one child had postoperative functional limitations.

Conclusion

Extremities are common sites of localized tenosynovial giant cell tumors in children. Complete surgical resection helps reduce the recurrence rate.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Limited usefulness of classic MR findings in the diagnosis of tenosynovial giant cell tumor

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency with which MRI of tenosynovial giant cell tumor demonstrates hemosiderin, visible intralesional fat signal, and proximity to synovial tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 31 cases of tenosynovial giant cell tumors which had concomitant MRI. Images were examined for lesion size, morphology, origin, bone erosions, MRI signal characteristics, contrast enhancement, and blooming artifact, comparing prospective and retrospective reports. Histology was reviewed for the presence of hemosiderin and xanthoma cells.

RESULTS

Eight lesions were diffuse and 23 were localized nodules. Three lesions were located in subcutaneous tissue and 4 adjacent to tendons beyond the extent of their tendon sheath. All lesions exhibited areas of low T1- and T2-weighted signal. Blooming artifact on gradient echo imaging was present in 86% of diffuse and only 27% of nodular disease. There was interobserver variability of 40% in assessing blooming. Iron was visible on H&E or iron stain in 97% of cases. Fat signal intensity was seen in only 3% of cases, although xanthoma cells were present on in 48%. The correct diagnosis was included in the prospective radiology differential diagnosis in 86% of diffuse cases and 62% of nodular cases.

CONCLUSION

Blooming on GRE MRI has low sensitivity for nodular tenosynovial giant cell tumors and is not universal in diffuse tumors. There was high interobserver variability in assessment of blooming. Intralesional fat signal is not a useful sign and may occur adjacent to tendons which lack a tendon sheath and may occur in a subcutaneous location.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic Problems in Paronychia and Felons]

The infections of the terminal phalanx are always special. Diseases, tumors or virus infections can look very similar and can show similar symptoms. Many require a radiological, dermatological, histological or general physical clarification, some need no surgery and in some surgery is contraindicated. If surgery is necessary, the exact incision is particularly important. A surgical approach set only a few millimeters wrong, can have catastrophic consequences at the fingertip. Differential diagnoses and the consequences of wrong incisions are shown.