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. 2016 Dec;12(6):3859-3862.
doi: 10.3892/etm.2016.3855. Epub 2016 Nov 2.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis: A report of two cases

Huan-Zhu Zhang  1 , Ying Li  1 , Xin Liu  1 , Bao-Rong Chen  1 , Guo-Hua Yao  1 , Yu-Na Peng  1
Affiliations

Extramedullary hematopoiesis: A report of two cases

Huan-Zhu Zhang et al. Exp Ther Med. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is defined as hematopoiesis occurring in organs outside of the bone marrow. The present report describes two cases of thalassemic patients with paraspinal medullary hematopoiesis and analyzes the clinical manifestations, imaging, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of EMH. In addition, a supplementary review of previously published cases is provided along with a review of the related literature. Computed tomography (CT) of the first case revealed multiple paraspinal masses, and the largest was 6.2×8.0 cm in diameter. Likewise, CT of the second patient revealed multiple paraspinal masses in the bottom of the left thoracic cavity, and the largest was measured 10.1×10.5 cm. The two cases underwent surgical biopsy and the findings were compatible with a diagnosis of EMH. In conclusion, EMH is a compatible and rare disease, and should be distinguished from other neoplasms. EMH must considered when masses with characteristic radiologic appearance are detected in patients with thalassemia intermedia.

Keywords: anemia; bone marrow; extramedullary hematopoisis; neoplasm; thalassemia.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Multiple paraspinal masses (indicated with arrows) in case 1 in the rear mediastinum were observed, and the largest measured 6.2×8.0 cm.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
A biopsy from case 1 was showed infiltration with megakaryocytes, erythroblasts and myeloid cells.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Multiple paraspinal masses in the bottom of the left thoracic cavity were observed in case 2, and the largest measured 10.1×10.5 cm.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
A biopsy from case 2 showed infiltration with megakaryocytes, erythroblasts and myeloid cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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