A Progressive Paraplegic Patient with Thalassemia Because of Extramedullary Hematopoiesis and Vertebral Fracture

Abstract

Case: We present a case of progressive paraplegia because of extramedullary hematopoiesis and pathological vertebral fracture in thalassemia patient. The various surgical techniques including larger pedicle screws, bicortical fixation, and convergent direction to improve pullout strength had been used secondary to osteoporotic bone and kyphotic deformity. Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis and awareness of the compromised bone quality of the thalassemic patient is essential to guide the proper management and produce the desire outcomes.

Acute spinal cord compression in the setting of chronic extramedullary hematopoiesis of the thoracic spine

“…Second, compression fractures in the setting of thoracic spine EMH appear to be rare. To our knowledge, there is only one reported case of a T11 compression fracture without vacuum phenomenon in the setting of thoracic spine EMH causing paraplegia; the patient was treated with T8 to L2 posterior decompression and fusion resulting in full neurologic recovery [11] . There are no reported cases of concomitant intravertebral vacuum phenomenon.…”