Recurrent temporal bone tenosynovial giant cell tumor with chondroid metaplasia: the use of imaging to assess recurrence

Abstract

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a benign proliferative lesion of unclear etiology. It is predominantly monoarticular and involves the synovium of the joint, tendon sheath, and bursa. TGCT of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare and aggressive resulting in destruction of surrounding structures. The diagnosis may be suggested by imaging, mainly by the MR features and PET/CT, and confirmed by histopathology. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with right-sided hearing loss, tinnitus and TMJ pain. Pathology revealed tenosynovial giant cell tumor with chondroid metaplasia. Six years later he developed a recurrence, which was documented to our knowledge for the first time with CT, MR and FDG PET/CT imaging.