Extramedullary hematopoiesis

Imaging features of focal intrahepatic extramedullary haematopoiesis

The imaging findings of focal intrahepatic extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) in a 51-year-old woman with beta-thalassaemia intermedia are described with particular reference to MRI and CT. Bone marrow colloid scintigraphy was unhelpful in confirming the diagnosis, which was made from fine needle aspiration. This is the first description of stellate scars occurring in an EMH lesion. A review of the radiological appearances of this rare condition is presented.

Premature epiphyseal fusion and extramedullary hematopoiesis in thalassemia

The main skeletal abnormalities in beta-thalassemia are widening of medullary spaces, rarefaction of bone trabeculae, thinning of cortical bone, and perpendicular periosteal spiculation. Premature epiphyseal fusion (PEF) and extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH) are found, though more rarely. The incidence of PEF and EH in 64 patients affected by beta-thalassemia is reported. The different incidence of such complications in thalassemia major and intermedia is reported, and a possible correlation with transfusion regimen is also considered.