Gorham disease of the spine.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a case report of Gorham disease of the spine with review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To review the diagnosis, therapy, clinical course, and prognosis of Gorham disease of the spine.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

This is the 17th reported case of spinal involvement by this rare type of idiopathic osteolysis.

METHODS

The patient was studied with radiographs, nuclear bone scans, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance scans, and biopsies. His spine was stabilized by posterior and anterior rods, corpectomies, and bone grafts.

RESULTS

The patient's spine had remained stable for 22 months after surgery, but intractable chylothoraces and spreading bone destruction were present.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal Gorham disease has high morbidity and mortality, but the course in an individual patient is difficult to predict. Early spinal stabilization should be considered before irreversible neurologic complications occur.