The case of the disappearing pelvis

Massive pelvic osteolysis in the Gorham-Stout syndrome

Massive osteolysis is a very rare tumour-like lesion usually affecting young adults. There are 132 reported cases which we have reviewed, including 31 single cases of pelvic involvement. The term "massive osteolysis" is based on the typical radiological findings, such as increasing translucency and loss of bone density. The diagnosis of the Gorham-Stout syndrome must be confirmed by the microscopic finding of intramedullary vascular structures. Our patient was a 23 year old white Caucasian, who had the full clinical signs of Gorham-Stout syndrome. She had achieved 2 normal pregnancies and deliveries in spite of her massive pelvic osteolysis.