Regression of extramedullary hematopoiesis with hydroxyurea therapy in ß-thalassemia intermedia

Excessive ineffective erythropoiesis in thalassemia intermedia may cause extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH), resulting in spleen and liver enlargement or masses in several tissues, mainly paravertebrally. Other less frequent locations of diffuse compensatory EMH are kidneys, adrenal glands, breasts,...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Vicari, Perla [UNIFESP], Figueiredo, Maria Stella [UNIFESP]
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2006
Country:Brasil
Institution:Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)
Repository:Repositório Institucional da UNIFESP
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unifesp.br:11600/2974
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-84842006000100018
http://repositorio.unifesp.br/handle/11600/2974
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Hemoglobinopathies
extramedullary hematopoiesis
thalassemia
hydroxyurea
Hemoglobinopatia
hematopoese extramedular
talassemia
hidroxiuréia
Description
Summary:Excessive ineffective erythropoiesis in thalassemia intermedia may cause extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH), resulting in spleen and liver enlargement or masses in several tissues, mainly paravertebrally. Other less frequent locations of diffuse compensatory EMH are kidneys, adrenal glands, breasts, spinal cord, pleura, pericardium, duramater, adipose tissue and skin, although intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare condition. Management strategies have included radiation and transfusion therapy. Hydroxyurea with transfusion therapy has been associated with clinical regression of EMH in thalassemia. We report an uncommon case of intrathoracic EMH in a patient with beta-thalassemia intermedia, that showed significant recovery with HU therapy.