Gorham disease of the cervical spine-a case report and review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN

A case report and literature review of Gorham disease involving the cervical spine.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical course and surgical management of Gorham disease of the cervical spine. The pathologic features and various treatment methods are also discussed.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Gorham disease is a rare idiopathic disease that possesses distinctive clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features. It is a variant form of osseous angiomatosis associated with massive osteolysis of bone. Eight cases with cervical involvement have been reviewed in the literature and five cases were fatal.

METHODS

We reported a 49-year-old man with Gorham disease of the cervical spine. Repeated surgical attempts to stabilize the cervical spine were required due to progression of the disease.

RESULTS

The patient has achieved a satisfactory functional outcome and remains fully independent.

CONCLUSION

In summary, Gorham disease is a rare entity with an unclear etiology. The long indolent course with the presence of radiographic and pathologic findings usually provides the diagnosis. There is no consensus on treatment, and evaluation of the treatment options is difficult due to the unknown natural history.