DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2018.v06i12.008

Pages: 1026-1032

Diffuse-type giant cell tumor (Dt-GCT), also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis, is a rare benign synovial tissue disease, that affects the foot and ankle joint only in a minority of cases. It may be locally aggressive and destructive and has the risk of recurrence after excision. The presentation is unspecific, so diagnosis is often delayed. Magnetic Resonance Imaging with contrast presents specific characteristics for Dt-GCT and is the best imaging modality for its diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the preferred treatment when technically feasible. Adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy may be considered in recurrent or selected cases. We present a case of a 37-year-old patient, that was diagnosed with Dt-GCT of the anterior ankle only six years after disease onset, though still with minor local destruction. Complete surgical excision was obtained and resulted in remittance of symptoms and an excellent functional result, without disease recurrence.