Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Presenting as Progressive Headache: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Mohammad Reza Babaee; Iman Mohseni; Mohammad Ali  Mohammadi-Vajari; Ghazale Tefagh; Nima Rakhshankhah; Marzieh Motevalli

doi:10.18502/crcp.v6i4.7851

Mohammad Reza Babaee Department of Radiology, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Iman Mohseni Department of Radiology, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Ali Mohammadi-Vajari Department of Radiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
Ghazale Tefagh Department of Radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Nima Rakhshankhah Department of Radiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
Marzieh Motevalli Department of Radiology, Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/crcp.v6i4.7851

Keywords: Hematopoiesis; Extramedullary cell differentiation; Thalassemia

Abstract

Extramedullary Hematopoiesis (EMH) is defined as the production of blood cells in organs other than bone marrow. Intracranial EMH is a rare condition. In this article, we presented a case of intracranial EMH presenting as progressive headache. Our patient was a 33-yearold man with thalassemia presenting with acute progressive flaccid quadriplegia, severe progressive headache, and decreased level of consciousness. His imaging studies showed evidence of intracranial and presacral EMH. Most asymptomatic intracranial EMH can present as a variety of symptoms, including progressive headache; therefore, the differential diagnosis should be kept in mind when evaluating a patient with a relevant underlying medical condition.