Gorham's disease: the disappearing bone.

Gorham's disease is a rare disorder characterized by proliferation of vascular channels. The clinical presentation of Gorham's disease is variable and depends on the site of involvement. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed for accurate diagnosis, and recognition of distinctive radiologic and histopathologic features can help facilitate and expedite diagnosis. The subsequent images were obtained from a 31-year-old male patient. Nuclear scintigraphy and computed tomography identified active bone destruction in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine in addition to the absence of the left lower rib cage. Gorham's disease was subsequently confirmed by biopsy.