Shutaro Yamada1, Kazuya Oshima2, Kenichiro Hamada1, Tsukasa Sotobori1, Susumu Joyama1, Nobuyuki Hashimoto1, Hidetatsu Outani1, Yoshikazu Tanaka3, Katsuyuki Nakanishi3, Nobuhito Araki1. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, 1-3-3 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka 537-8511, Japan. 2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, 1-3-3 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka 537-8511, Japan. Electronic address: oshimakazuya@gmail.com. 3. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, 1-3-3 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka 537-8511, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a common, benign lesion of the synovial membrane that occurs more often in large joints than in digits. Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath rarely arises in close proximity to the axial skeleton. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to report a rare case of GCTTS arising from the membrane surrounding the posterior arch of the atlas (C1). STUDY DESIGN/ SETTING: This is a case report. METHODS: The methods involve clinical findings and review of current literature. RESULTS: In this report, we describe a rare case of GCTTS arising from the membrane surrounding the posterior arch of C1, with no apparent continuity with the facet joint. Here we show the radiographic features, with particular emphasis on positron emission tomography-computerized tomography scans, which have not been previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced an extremely rare case of GCTTS arising from the membrane surrounding the posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. In spite of the rarity of this disease, GCTTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the axial skeletal lesion. Awareness of GCTTS is important because its radiographic features may simulate other neoplastic lesions in the spine.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a common, benign lesion of the synovial membrane that occurs more often in large joints than in digits. Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath rarely arises in close proximity to the axial skeleton. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to report a rare case of GCTTS arising from the membrane surrounding the posterior arch of the atlas (C1). STUDY DESIGN/ SETTING: This is a case report. METHODS: The methods involve clinical findings and review of current literature. RESULTS: In this report, we describe a rare case of GCTTS arising from the membrane surrounding the posterior arch of C1, with no apparent continuity with the facet joint. Here we show the radiographic features, with particular emphasis on positron emission tomography-computerized tomography scans, which have not been previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced an extremely rare case of GCTTS arising from the membrane surrounding the posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. In spite of the rarity of this disease, GCTTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the axial skeletal lesion. Awareness of GCTTS is important because its radiographic features may simulate other neoplastic lesions in the spine.