Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Expansion of Human Peripheral Blood γδ T Cells using Zoledronate
Published on: September 9, 2011
Two cases of Gorham-Stout disease with good response to zoledronic acid treatment
María Lorena Brance1,2,3, Alejandro Castiglioni4, Nicolas Cóccaro4
1Centro de Reumatología, Rosario, Argentina.
Insights
Gorham-Stout disease, a rare vanishing bone syndrome, involves bone loss due to vascular proliferation. Two cases show positive responses to zoledronic acid treatment, improving pain and mobility.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), or vanishing bone syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by progressive osteolysis.
- It results from intra-osseous proliferation of non-neoplastic vascular tissue, leading to significant bone loss.
- GSD can present in various bones across different age groups, potentially causing severe deformities and complications.
Observation:
- This article presents two distinct clinical cases of Gorham-Stout disease.
- Case 1: A 56-year-old woman with a 20-year history of pain and swelling, initially misdiagnosed with SLE, eventually diagnosed with GSD.
- Case 2: A 70-year-old man with shoulder pain and limited motion, later experiencing a pathological fracture, leading to a GSD diagnosis.
Findings:
- Both patients received intravenous zoledronic acid (5 mg).
- Case 1 showed progressive improvement in pain, mobility, and daily activities after the third infusion.
- Case 2 demonstrated a good response to zoledronic acid after the first infusion.
Implications:
- These cases suggest that zoledronic acid may be an effective treatment for Gorham-Stout disease.
- Further research into GSD and its management is warranted given its rarity and potential severity.
- Early diagnosis and intervention with appropriate therapies like zoledronic acid can improve patient outcomes in GSD.
Abstract:
Gorham-Stout disease - also called vanishing bone syndrome - is a rare bone disease characterized by a progressive intra-osseous proliferation of non-neoplastic vascular tissue resulting in massive osteolysis. Here, we report two clinical cases of Gorham-Stout disease. Case 1: a 56-year-old woman with 20 years of history of pain and swell in elbows, ankles and wrist. Then she was diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with glomerulonephritis type III. After other pathologies were ruled out Gorham-Stout disease was diagnosed. Intravenous zoledronic acid (5 mg) was indicated and after third infusion a progressive improvement of pain, mobility and daily activities were observed. Case 2: a 70-years-old man with a history of pain and limited motion in the left shoulder without X-ray abnormality. Six months later pathological fracture in the left humerus occurred and after ruled out other pathologies Gorham-Stout disease was diagnosed. Intravenous zoledronic acid (5 mg) was indicated and a good response was observed after the first infusion. Nowadays just over 200 cases were reported. Gorham-Stout disease was reported in different bones, at different age presentation and severe physical deformities, disabilities, and life-threatening complications can occur. Two cases of Gorham-Stout disease with good response to zoledronic acid was reported in this article.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...

