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Gorham disease of the spine
G R Drewry1, C E Sutterlin, C R Martinez
1Department of Radiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
Spine
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Gorham disease of the spine is a rare condition causing bone destruction. Early spinal stabilization is crucial to prevent severe complications and improve outcomes in patients with this rare osteolysis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Gorham disease, a rare idiopathic osteolysis, presents with spinal involvement in this 17th reported case.
- Idiopathic osteolysis presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, particularly when affecting the spine.
Observation:
- A patient with spinal Gorham disease underwent extensive imaging (radiographs, bone scans, CT, MRI) and biopsy.
- Surgical spinal stabilization included posterior and anterior rods, corpectomies, and bone grafts.
Findings:
- The patient's spine remained stable for 22 months post-surgery.
- Despite stabilization, the patient experienced intractable chylothoraces and progressive bone destruction.
Implications:
- Spinal Gorham disease carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality.
- Predicting the clinical course of spinal Gorham disease is challenging.
- Early spinal stabilization is recommended to prevent irreversible neurological damage.