Emangioma del ginocchio

Intra-articular, or vascular hamartoma, is a tumor-like lesion assentially made up of anomalous blood vessels localized in the joint capsule, in the synovial membrane, or in both structures. There are two anatomical varieties: one circumscribed localised and one extended. There seeems to be predilection for the female sex, and age of onset ranges from birdth to 20-30 years of age; it occurs more frequently in the knee, less in the elbow, in the wrist and in the ankle. Synptoms, which often begin after local trauma, include joint swelling nd pain, both characterized by discontinuity anf long duration. sometimes there is an increase in swelling, repeated episodes of hemarthrosis, forced position and functional of the joint, increase in skin temperature. Final diagnosis can only be obtained with histological exam, although MRI may be useful and arteriography clearly reveals it, if the hamartoma is extended enough and communicating with the circulation. Histological exam carried out on fragments of tissue taken in loco receals a labyrinthine agglomerate of fissures and lengthening cavities, with walls that are generally thick and of a venous-like anomalous type. The course of the desease is slow, with pediods of remission of local symptoms of varying duration.Treatment is surgical and it consist in complete removal when possible of the angiomas. The results are satisfactory; recurrence is infrequent and it is generally due to incomplete excision of the noeformation.