Complete recovery from paraparesis in spinal cord compression due to extramedullary haemopoiesis in beta-thalassaemia by emergency radiation therapy

Intern Med J. 2014 Apr;44(4):409-12. doi: 10.1111/imj.12386.

Abstract

Extramedullary haemopoiesis (EMH) is a complication commonly associated with beta-thalassaemia intermedia; it is frequently asymptomatic but can sometimes lead to symptomatic tumour-like masses. No guidelines or common consensus are available in literature regarding the different treatment strategies and only single cases have been reported. We describe a case of spinal cord compression due to intrathoracic EMH masses treated with combined radiotherapy and hydroxyurea.

Keywords: extramedullary haemopoiesis; radiotherapy; spinal cord compression; thalassaemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Paraparesis* / etiology
  • Paraparesis* / physiopathology
  • Paraparesis* / radiotherapy
  • Prognosis
  • Recovery of Function*
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / complications
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / radiotherapy
  • beta-Thalassemia* / complications
  • beta-Thalassemia* / physiopathology
  • beta-Thalassemia* / radiotherapy