[Intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis: a study of 1 case]

Intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis [IEH] is a rare entity accompanying some chronic haematologic diseases. The authors report the case of a 16 year old beta thalassemia girl with IEH, presenting in the form of asymptomatic posterior mediastinial mass. Computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging of the chest showed multiples polylobar paravertebral masses which have the characteristics of IEM. The radiological diagnosis is essential to avoid biopsy and surgery which can be very harmful because of the extreme vascularity of the haematopoietic tissue