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A Case of Gorham’s Disease with Chylothorax Treated Curatively with Radiation Therapy

Bethany M. Duffy, BA, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53792.
Rafael Manon, MD and Rakesh R. Patel, MD, Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792
James S. Welsh, MD, Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, and University of Wisconsin Cancer Center, 410 Dewey Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Reprint Requests: James S.Welsh, MD, University of Wisconsin Cancer Center, 410 Dewey Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, Tel: 715-421-7442, Fax: 715-421-7408, Email: welsh{at}humonc.wisc.edu

Gorham’s disease, also known as vanishing bone disease or massive osteolysis, is a rare disorder of uncertain etiology. It is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of vascular or lymphatic capillaries within bone, leading to resorption and replacement with angiomatous tissue. It can be complicated by chylous pericardial and pleural effusions, which can be life threatening. Patients are also at risk of mortality or serious morbidity due to bone destruction, especially when the disease involves the spine. We report the case of a 31-year-old female with Gorham’s disease involving several bones along with chylous pericardial and pleural effusions. She was effectively treated with definitive radiation therapy.

Key Words: Essential osteolysis • Chylothorax • Radiotherapy • Bone diseases • Bone resorption • Biopsy