Gorham′s vanishing bone disease of ribs mimicking metastasis: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Gorham′s disease is a very rare self-limiting osteolytic disorder of the bone of unknown etiology, and can affect any bone of the body. Clinical presentation varies with the location and extent of the lesion. Lesions of the thoracic cage, spine and craniofacial bones are associated with high morbidity. Mortality multitude of treatment options is available, but none is satisfactory. We present a case of Gorham′s disease of the ribs that was initially suspected to be metastasis, but subsequent search for the primary lesion was negative. It was the histopathology of the lesion that leads to the diagnosis of Gorham′s disease. The lesion did not progress, neither did it resolve either due to the natural arrest or due to effect of the bisphosphonate therapy