Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. An MRI provides clear images of the body's soft tissues and can be helpful in diagnosing PVNS. In localized PVNS, an MRI will show a nodular mass. In diffuse PVNS, it will show extensive thickening of the joint lining or an extensive mass, possibly with destructive bone changes and cartilage damage.

On MR images, PVNS is identified by multiple, lobulated intraarticular soft tissue masses. The lesions generally have intermediate to low signal intensity on both T1 and T2 weighted images. PVNS lesions tend to bleed, resulting in characteristic deposition of very low-signal intensity hemosiderin.