Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Case report
A rare case of Gorham-stout syndrome involving the thoracic spine with progressive bilateral chylothorax: a case report
Authors:
Peng Wang, Wenbo Liao, Guangru Cao, Yongyan Jiang
Published in:
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|
Issue 1/2019
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Abstract
Background
Gorham-Stout syndrome (GSS) with spinal involvement is extremely rare, and bilateral chylothorax as a complication is usually fatal. In our case, pleural effusion appeared in the left hemithorax after ligating the right thoracic duct.
Case presentation
A 14-year-old patient presented with GSS affecting the thoracic spine with bilateral chylothorax. The case was successfully managed using combined conservative and surgical treatments. At the 2-year follow-up visit, the amount of pleural fluid was reduced, the patient’s respiratory function had improved, and the deformity on the thoracic spine had gradually stabilized.
Conclusions
GSS is a rare disorder of the musculoskeletal system that responds poorly to therapies and exhibits very high morbidity and mortality. Chylothorax is a common complication when lesions involve the thoracic spine, and physicians should be vigilant for possible serious pulmonary complications.