What is responsible for extramedullary hematopoiesis?

The liver and spleen are the main sites of extramedullary hematopoiesis. Other organs such as the lungs, kidney, and the peritoneal cavity can also become the sites of hematopoiesis when in diseased states.

How is extramedullary hematopoiesis treated?

Treatment of such cases is usually done with blood transfusions, which can reduce the hematopoietic drive for EMH. Other options include surgery, hydroxyurea, radiotherapy, or a combination of these on a case to case basis.

How do you confirm extramedullary hematopoiesis?

Fine-needle biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Extramedullary hematopoiesis occurs as a compensatory mechanism for abnormal hematopoiesis when normal red marrow is unable to function because of deficiency disorders or because of various pluripotent stem cell disorders.

What is the best treatment for spinal cord compression?

How is spinal cord compression treated?

  • Medicines may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve pain and swelling, and steroid injections that reduce swelling.
  • Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen your back, abdominal, and leg muscles.

What causes extramedullary hematopoiesis in adults?

The cause of pathologic EMH can be one of many hematological diseases, such as myelofibrosis, or as a result of bone marrow irradiation. Thalassemia and its resultant hemolytic anemia is another important cause of pathologic EMH.

What is the primary site of hematopoiesis in adults?

In adults, hematopoiesis of red blood cells and platelets occurs primarily in the bone marrow. In infants and children, it may also continue in the spleen and liver.

Is extramedullary hematopoiesis cancerous?

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) usually occurs in hematological disease, but more rarely develops in cases of malignant solid tumors.

Does hematopoiesis occur in lymph nodes?

Comment: While the bone marrow is the major site of hematopoiesis, lymph nodes may be a site of extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). EMH in lymph nodes typically occurs as a physiologic response to a dramatic loss or increased need for additional blood cells.

What causes hematopoiesis in the spinal cord?

Chronic anemia states such as thalassemia can cause hematopoietic tissue to expand in certain locations. We report a case of spinal cord compression due to recurrent spinal epidural EMH, which was treated with a combination of surgery and radiotherapy.

Which is the best treatment for extramedullary hematopoiesis?

Treatment of such cases is usually done with blood transfusions, which can reduce the hematopoietic drive for EMH. Other options include surgery, hydroxyurea, radiotherapy, or a combination of these on a case to case basis. Keywords: Extramedullary, hematopoiesis, spinal cord compression, thalassemia

Can a blood transfusion reduce spinal cord compression?

Conclusion: The possibility of EMH should be considered in every patient with ineffective erythropoiesis as a cause of spinal cord compression. Treatment of such cases is usually done with blood transfusions, which can reduce the hematopoietic drive for EMH.

Which is a chronic anemia that causes spinal cord compression?

Thalassemia is a chronic anemia state that is most often recognized with EMH with the first description of resulting spinal cord compression reported by Gatto et al. [ 10 ] Other disorders associated with EMH include chronic anemias such as sickle cell disease, myeloproliferative disorders, and hepatocellular carcinoma as well. [ 20 ]