Spinal cord compression in beta-thalassemia: case report and review of the literature.
METHODS
A case report of thoracic spinal cord compression in a 34-year-old male with beta-thalassemia is reported.


OBJECTIVE
In patients with thalassemia, neurologic complaints should lead to a high index of suspicion for spinal cord compression from marrow expansion, ectopic bone formation and resultant stenosis. Initial presentation, diagnosis, radiographic findings, surgical treatment and follow-up are reviewed.


METHODS
This case is reported from Chicago, Illinois.


METHODS
A chart review is performed for the purposes of this case report.


RESULTS
Patient underwent decompressive laminectomy with good surgical outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid diagnosis and treatment of such a condition is essential to optimize the chances of recovery.
Salehi
S A
SA
Department of Neurological Surgery, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Koski
T
T
Ondra
S L
SL
D000328:Adult; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002828:Choristoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006411:Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications*
D003907:Dexamethasone