Gorham-Stout disease, a diagnosis of exclusion

Abstract

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) also known as vanishing bone disease is an idiopathic and rare condition characterized by gross and progressive bone loss along with excessive growth of vascular and lymphatic tissue. Very little is known about the pathogenesis of GSD, which makes the diagnosis challenging and often diagnosed by elimination. We report a case of GSD in a 41-year-old male patient. He presented with bone pain and initial imaging showed widespread osteolytic lesions in the cervical and mid thoracic spine, ribs, sternum, clavicles, scapula, and humerus. Two percutaneous bone biopsies were performed, followed by an open spine biopsy of the lumber 2 spinous process for histological examination. Unfortunately, no diagnosis was reached. Although, he was treated symptomatically, he kept enduring pain and presented again after 7 months. His laboratory values were out of the normal range which prompted thorough investigations. New imaging and bone biopsy revealed multiple osteolytic lesions and vascular lesion with cavernous morphology respectively. GSD was diagnosed after ruling out a neoplastic process and confirming the cavernous morphology with immunohistochemical stain. He was treated symptomatically with immunomodulators, bisphosphonates, and supplements. Patient was counseled to see the specialist regularly. This case will help to increase familiarity and shed insights in the diagnosis of GSD.

Keywords

• Vanishing bone disease
• Osteolytic lesion
• Bone biopsy
• Spongious bone