CORD COMPRESSION DUE TO EXTRAMEDULLARY HEMATOPOIESIS IN A PATIENT WITH THALASSEMIA

Study Design. This is a case report of a patient with thalassemia who had acute spinal cord compression at the T3 to T8 level and presented for treatment. Methods. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical decomp ression and transfusion therapy was chosen as the preferred treatment modality. Results. Neurologic recovery was satisfactory from the immed iate postoperative period, and full recovery was observed 2 months aft er surgery. Conclusion. Clinical awareness is important for early diag nosis. Documentation with an imaging technique, such as magnetic reson ance imaging, is mandatory. Optimal treatment is tailor-made and depen ds on the clinical situation and the expertise available.