Spinal Cord Compression Secondary to Extramedullary Hematopoiese in a Patient with a Beta-Thalassemia

Abstract

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare cause of spinal cord compression (SCC). EMH represents the growth of blood cells outside of the bone marrow and occurs in a variety of hematologic illnesses, including various types of anemia and myeloproliferative disorders. Although EMH usually occurs in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, it may also occur within the spinal canal. When this occurs, the mass effect can compress the spinal cord, potentially leading to the development of neurological deficits. We present a case of SCC secondary to EMH. Our patient is a 26-year-old male with beta-thalassemia who presented with both upper thoracic and lower extremity symptoms of spinal cord compression. This report illustrates the importance of considering EMH in the differential diagnosis of SCC, even in the absence of signs of its most common etiologies.