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

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-year- old 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.

Keywords

• Hematopoiesis
• Extramedullary cell differentiation
• Thalassemia