Extramedullary haematopoiesis in thalassaemia major causing spinal cord compression

Abstract

A 33-year-old, homozygous beta-thalassaemic, Jehovah witness man presented with subacute spinal cord compression secondary to extramedullary haematopoiesis within the thoracic spinal canal. In this case, MRI showed characteristic features of extramedullary haematopoiesis, leading to an early diagnosis. © 2007 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.