Pigmented vilonodular synovitis (giant cell tumor of tenosynovial sheaths). Rare localization in the temporo-mandibular joint. Clinical observation. Literature review

Abstract

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a very rare disease that could be easily confused with other processes because of its rareness and silent clinical behavior. TGCT arise from the synovial membrane of joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. TGCT are classified according to anatomical site of involvement (intra-articular and extra-articular) and growth pattern, including localized and diffuse forms of disease. Defining the diagnosis, clinical characteristics and optimal treatment of TGCT of the skull base is challenged by shortage of cases, described in the literature, variable nomenclature and absence of detailed follow-up. Several conditions with overlapping clinical, radiological, and histological features make the differential diagnosis very difficult. The objectives of the current study are to describe the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of a rare clinical case, evaluated in our and overview the literature regarding the unique histopathological and radiologic features of TGCT of the TMJ and temporal bone.