MMRF May 05 Booklet_New.qxd

Gorham’s disease, also known as vanishing bone disease and massive osteolysis is a very rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of vascular or lymphatic capillaries within bone.1 As the endothelial cells proliferate, they aggressively yet painlessly invade the adjacent bone, leading to resorption and replacement with angiomatous tissue. Surrounding soft tissues such as muscle, connective tissue, and viscera may also be affected. Chylous pleural and pericardial effusions can complicate the disease and lead to death in severe cases. In this report, we describe a case of Gorham’s disease involving the ribs, scapula, and thoracic spine, which resulted in chylous pericardial and pleural effusions. The patient was treated curatively with radiation therapy.