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Published on: September 20, 2018

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Young adult with Gorham's disease presenting in an emergency department: a case report

Markku Grönroos1, Ari Palomäki2,3

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Central Hospital of Kanta-Häme, Ahvenistontie 20, 13530, Hämeenlinna, Finland. markku.gronroos@khshp.fi.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|August 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Gorham's disease, a rare bone disorder, can be challenging to diagnose in the Emergency Department. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention led to a good outcome for a young patient with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Rare Diseases
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

  • Gorham's disease is a rare condition causing progressive bone resorption.
  • Diagnosis is often delayed due to its rarity, especially in emergency settings.
  • Most reported cases occur before age 40.

Observation:

  • A 23-year-old male presented with lower limb weakness and sensory loss.
  • Imaging revealed thoracic vertebral and rib resorption, kyphosis, and spinal stenosis.
  • Biopsy confirmed Gorham's disease.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent spinal decompression and fusion (spondylodesis).
  • Initial recovery was positive following surgical management.
  • The exact cause of Gorham's disease remains unknown.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering rare diseases in emergency diagnostics.
  • Demonstrates the potential for positive outcomes with timely surgical intervention.
  • Emphasizes the need for further research into Gorham's disease etiology.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChylothoraxGorham’s diseaseOsteolysisResorption

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