Spinal cord compression due to intraspinal extramedullary hematopoiesis in thalassemia intermedia

ABSTRACT

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is a common phenomenon in thalassemia. During the disease there are very rare occasions when compensatory hematopoietic tissue is located in the intraspinal epidural space, causing spinal cord compression. This complication requires urgent neurosurgical consideration and decision for further treatment. We present a case of thoracic spinal cord compression secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis in thalassemia intermedia, treated with irradiation therapy. The therapeutic options are discussed, and the need for more explicit therapeutic directions is highlighted