Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2011 | Case report
An intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis in a 34-year-old man with beta thalassemia: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2011
Login to get accessAbstract
Introduction
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.
Case presentation
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.
Conclusion
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.