Aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis-associated lesion in a well-fixed total knee arthroplasty: a case report

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2021 May;103(5):e148-e150. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7098. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Abstract

Adverse reactions to metal debris in relation to metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty has been heavily discussed in the literature. In contrast, few cases have been reported in the context of total knee arthroplasty. A 77-year-old woman presented with a painful total knee arthroplasty. At the time of revision surgery, intra-articular cream-coloured fluid and material was found in association with a well-fixed prosthesis. Synovial and capsular samples were obtained for histological assessment and a diagnosis of aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis associated lesion was confirmed. The patient went on to have an uncomplicated recovery following a two-stage revision to a constrained knee prosthesis.

Keywords: ALVAL; Arthroplasty; Knee; Replacement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Hip Joint / surgery
  • Hip Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Metal-on-Metal Joint Prostheses / adverse effects*
  • Reoperation
  • Synovial Fluid / cytology
  • Vasculitis* / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis* / etiology
  • Vasculitis* / pathology