Extramedullary hematopoiesis manifesting as a symptomatic pleural effusion

Mayo Clin Proc. 1995 Dec;70(12):1161-4. doi: 10.4065/70.12.1161.

Abstract

The occurrence of extramedullary hematopoiesis in the pleura is rare and is usually asymptomatic. It is generally diagnosed on postmortem examination. Herein we describe a 61-year-old woman with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia who sought medical assessment because of progressive dyspnea. Thoracentesis yielded sanguineous fluid with 10% myeloblasts. A 99mTc bone marrow scan demonstrated increased tracer activity throughout both lungs, an outcome consistent with extramedullary hematopoiesis. Fine-needle aspiration and video-assisted thoracoscopy were considered but deferred because of the potential risk of profuse bleeding. Treatment with low-dose external beam irradiation to the left posterior pleura was successful. To date, no hemothorax has recurred.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleura / physiology*
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology*
  • Pleural Effusion / radiotherapy
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / complications*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid