Extramedullary hematopoiesis in unusual locations in hematologically compromised and noncompromised patients

Skeletal Radiol. 2011 Jul;40(7):947-53. doi: 10.1007/s00256-011-1129-z. Epub 2011 Feb 23.

Abstract

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) occurs as a compensatory reaction to an underlying hematologic abnormality. EMH is most commonly seen in the liver and spleen but rarely has been reported in other locations, as well. On rare occasions, EMH may mimic a neoplasm in hematologically noncompromised patients. In this report, we present three cases of EMH in unusual locations, two in the presacral soft tissue and one in the synovial lining of the knee joint. The patients with presacral masses had no hematologic abnormality. In all patients with EMH, imaging plays an important role in both localization of the lesion and guidance for the biopsy; when imaging results are correlated with histological findings, the diagnosis of EMH can be confirmed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Hematologic Diseases / immunology*
  • Hematologic Diseases / pathology*
  • Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged