An intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis in a 34-year-old man with beta thalassemia: a case report

• Main Authors: Tabesh Homayoun, Shekarchizadeh Ahmad, Mahzouni Parvin, Mokhtari Mojgan, Abrishamkar Saeid, Abbasi Fard Salman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-12-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/5/1/580

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Extramedullary hematopoiesis occurs in approximately 15% of cases of thalassemia. Intracranial deposits of extramedullary hematopoiesis are an extremely rare compensatory process in intermediate and severe thalassemia.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present an unusual case of an intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis with a choroid plexus origin in a 34-year-old Caucasian man with beta thalassemia intermedia, who presented with the complaints of chronic headache and rapid progressive visual loss.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>An intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis, although extremely rare, should be considered as a potential ancillary diagnosis in any thalassemic patient and therefore appropriate studies should be performed to investigate the probable intracranial ectopic marrow before any surgical intervention.</p>