Rare Presentation of Right Adrenal Mass: Extramedullary Haematopoiesis in a Patient with Thalassaemia Intermedia

Abstract

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare cause of adrenal mass. We present a 44-year-old woman who has thalassaemia intermedia, referred to Endocrinology clinic for huge adrenal mass. Along with a paraspinal lesion discovered in this patient, the leading diagnosis was EMH. The patient was treated with hypertransfusion and hydroxyurea, which led to a reduction in the size of the right adrenal mass and paraspinal mass. This case highlights the challenges in managing this rare condition. Although EMH is a rare cause of adrenal mass, the diagnosis must be considered in any patient with a history of a congenital hemolytic disorder, to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Keywords: adrenal incidentaloma; adrenal mass; congenital haemolytic disorder; extramedullary hematopoiesis; thalassaemia.