Spinal cord compression by extramedullary haematopoiesis in myelofibrosis

Abstract

A 50-year-old man with a 20-year history of myelofibrosis developed mild impainment of dorsal column sensation and ataxia of gait. A myelogram and subsequent peroperative biopsy demonstrated spinal cord compression due to extrameduliary haematopoiesis. There was an excellent clinical response to surgery and radiotherapy. The characteristic clinical features and the pathogenesis of this unusual complication of myelofibrosis and extramedullary haematopoiesis are discussed.