Gorham's vanishing bone disease

PodAus · Jun 27, 2008

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Synonyms of Gorham's Disease
Disappearing Bone Disease
Essential Osteolysis
Gorham's Syndrome
Gorham-Stout Syndrome
Idiopathic Massive Osteolysis
Massive Gorham Osteolysis
Massive Osteolysis
Morbus Gorham-Stout Disease
Progressive Massive Osteolysis
Vanishing Bone Disease
Disorder Subdivisions

General Discussion
Gorham's disease (GD) is an extremely rare bone disorder; fewer than 200 cases are reported in the medical literature. It is characterized by bone loss (osteolysis) often associated with swelling or abnormal blood vessel growth (angiomatous proliferation). Bone loss can occur in just one bone or spread to soft tissue and adjacent bones.

Although the disease may strike any of the bones of the body, it is more often recognized earlier when the bones at the top of the head (calvarium) and/or the mandibles are involved.

Because of its rarity, the disorder often goes unrecognized. As a result of that, coupled with a lack of agreement on how best to treat Gorham’s disease once it is recognized, treatment may often be delayed. The cause of Gorham’s disease is unknown.
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I have a patient in her early 40's whom has had her Left 5th Metatarsal 'vanish'. MRI and XRay show a complete absence of the bone.
Presents as one would expect to see with a mild osteomyelitis.
Very tender to palpation and limping gait.

She has begun consulting an endocrinologist, however we are looking for possible surgical assistance with 'reinforcing' the affected region with bone grafting - has anyone experienced a case of Gorhams? Has surgical intervention been successful?

Paul Dowie

PodAus Active Member

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