Extramedullary hematopoiesis in a patient with beta-thalassemia intermedia manifesting as symptomatic pleural effusion.
A case of bilateral paravertebral extramedullary hematopoietic masses with symptomatic pleural effusion in a patient with beta-thalassemia intermedia is reported. The pleural effusion was controlled by pleurodesis using tetracycline. We review the literature on this uncommon complication of beta-thalassemia intermedia and discuss the options for diagnosis and treatment.
Taher
A
A
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Lebanon. ataher@aub.edu.lb
Skouri
H
H
Jaber
W
W
Kanj
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D006411:Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology*; D018700:Pleurodesis; D013754:Tetracyclines; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013754:Tetracyclines