Spinal extradural hematopoiesis in adolescents with thalassemia. Report of two cases and a review of the literature

Extramedullary hematopoietic tissue occurring within the extramedullary space and causing cord compression is an unusual occurrence in childhood and adolescence, and only four cases have been reported during the first two decades of life. We had the opportunity to treat a 16-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy with paraparesis secondary to extradural extramedullary hematopoiesis. Findings in these cases are discussed, and an attempt is made to stress once more the possibility of congenital hematopoietic rests as the origin of such hyperplastic tissue. The various modes of therapy are discussed and related literature is reviewed.