Recurrent swelling and pain of left knee with relapses and remissions. Limited range of movements during episodes
7-year-old male patient presented with 2 year history of recurrent knee pain and swelling with relapses and remissions. During episodes of pain patient has restricted movement of the joint and walks with a limp. Physical examination of the joint demonstrated restricted movement and a tender swelling around the knee. MRI of the knee showed a lobulated intraarticular mass with mixed signal on T1 weighted imaging and marked increased signal on T2 weighted imaging.
Synovial hemangioma is a rare vascular malformation, occurring most frequently in the knee. The typical patient is a child or young adult presenting with a swollen and painful joint. Often they have relapses and remissions. They may also have atrophy of the adjacent muscles if the condition has been long standing. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult and often is only made postoperatively. Early diagnosis is important as recurrent hemarthrosis can lead to joint damage and eventual arthritis. MRI shows a lobulated intraarticular mass with mixed signal on T1 weighted imaging and marked increased signal on T2 – weighted imaging. Treatment includes open surgical resection with partial or total synoviectomy, arthroscopic excision, radiotherapy, cautery, use of sclerosing agents and laser arthroscopic ablation.
Synovial Hemangioma of knee
According to the provided knee MRI images, there is a lobulated soft tissue lesion in the joint cavity, mainly located in the synovial area of the left knee. On T2-weighted images, it appears with high signal intensity, while on T1-weighted images, it may show an isointense or slightly low signal. The boundary of the lesion is relatively clear. This lesion is closely associated with the synovium of the left knee joint and may be accompanied by recurrent joint effusion or bleeding. During acute phases, mild edema can be seen in the surrounding soft tissues.
In summary, based on the patient’s age, history of recurrent knee swelling and pain, and MRI showing vascular lesion characteristics, synovial hemangioma is highly suspected.
Taking into account the clinical manifestations (periodic or recurrent knee swelling, pain, limited range of motion) and MRI findings (a lobulated soft tissue lesion with high signal on T2-weighted images), the most likely diagnosis is:
Synovial Hemangioma.
If further confirmation is needed, arthroscopic biopsy or intraoperative pathological examination can be done to precisely determine the nature of the lesion.
This report is based on the provided information and should only be taken as a reference for medical analysis. It cannot replace an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. For specific diagnosis and treatment, please seek guidance from a specialist and consider a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition.
Synovial Hemangioma of knee