Abstract

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, well-behaved disease involving the synovial membrane and joints. Diffuse PVNS has high recurrence rate with surgery alone. We aimed to present the results and side effects of radiotherapy (RT) in two cases with PVNS in the light of literature. Two female patients were admitted to our hospital with pain and swelling on their right knees. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a solid mass in the knee joints. Patients who were thought to have PVNS radiologically, underwent total synovectomy. Patients with diffuse PVNS received postoperative 32 and 36 Gy RT on account of uncertain surgical margin status. No acute side effects related to radiotherapy were observed in the both cases. In one case, one year after radiotherapy, the articular effusion and peripatellar pain evolved as a late complication. There were no local recurrence at 31 and 32 months follow-up. As a result, radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for preventing recurrence of diffuse PVNS and provides protection of extremities in very advanced cases. However, more studies with long-term follow-up are needed.