Journal List > J Korean Foot Ankle Soc > v.23(1) > 1127166

Gwak, Kim, Roh, Choo, Kim, Jeong, and Jung: Tenosynovial Bilateral Lipoma Arborescens of the Ankle in Adults

Abstract

Lipoma arborescens or synovial lipomatosis is a rare disorder that is characterized by mature fat infiltration of the hypertrophic synovial villi, most frequently affecting the supra-patellar pouch of the knee. This paper presents a case of lipoma arborescens of the ankle joint bilaterally in an adult patient with involvement of both the intra-articular synovium and the synovial sheath of the tendons around the ankle.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1

Photographs of the right ankle (A) and the left ankle (B) show soft-tissue swelling around lateral malleolus. Soft and movable mass-like lesion (A: 5×7 cm size, B: 4×6 cm size) was observed.

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Figure 2

Internal oblique radiographics of the right ankle (A) and the left ankle (B) show soft tissue swelling of the postero-lateral ankle.

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Figure 3

(A, B) Ultrasound scan, longitudinal view, shows encasement of the extensor tendons by the thickened synovium (black arrows). A Large amount of joint effusion in lateral aspect of both ankles (white arrows).

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Figure 4

(A) Axial proton density-weighted magnetic resonance image showing high signal intensity within the peroneus brevis tendon at the postero-lateral malleolar level representing longitudinal tear (black arrow). The peroneus longus tendon (white arrow) is normal. (B) Axial T2-weighted fat-suppression magnetic resonance image at the corresponding level shows fluid collection with frond-like proliferations of the synovium of the involved tendon sheaths and ankle joint, with low signal intensity of the hyperplastic fat tissues (white arrows).

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Figure 5

(A) The Anterior talofibular ligament is thin and has irregular margin and suspicious disruption of contour, meaning a chronic partial tear (black arrow). (B) Axial T2-weighted fat-suppression magnetic resonance image at the corresponding level shows fluid collection with frond-like proliferations of the synovium of the involved tendon sheaths and ankle joint, with low signal intensity of the hyperplastic fat tissues (white arrows).

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Figure 6

(A, B) Intraoperative photographs demonstrate abundant fat within the opened peroneal tendon sheath and partial tear of peroneus longus tendon in both ankles (black arrows). (C) There is a longitudinal split tear of the peroneus brevis tendon (black arrow).

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Figure 7

Gross photos of mass which are lipoma arborscence with abundant fat tissue and remnant of peroneus longus tendon in left ankle (A: 2×5 cm sized, 3.5 cm sized mass) and in right ankle (B: 2×2.5 cm sized, 6×6 cm sized mass).

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Figure 8

(A) Photomicrographs of excised synovium showing a lipomatous infiltrate within the synovium. On low power, a fatty infiltrate is seen in the synovium, giving it a lobular or villous contour (H&E stain, ×40). (B) High magnification shows mature adipose cells deep to a hyperplastic layer of synovial cells with scattered inflammatory cells and small plexiform vessels (H&E stain, ×40).

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Notes

Financial support None.

Conflict of interest None.

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Duck-Hee Kim
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4144-3671

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