PMID: 16533417Mar 15, 2006Paper

Massive hemothorax in a beta-thalassemic patient due to spontaneous rupture of extramedullary hematopoietic masses: diagnosis and successful treatment

Respiratory Care
Prapaporn PornsuriyasakPantep Angchaisuksiri

Abstract

Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis is an unusual but well-described entity. The condition is typically found in patients who have chronic hemolytic anemias, especially thalassemia. We report a case of a 38-year-old man with underlying beta thalassemia/hemoglobin E who developed intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis. The hematopoietic masses spontaneously ruptured, resulting in massive hemothorax. The condition was confirmed by video-assisted thoracoscopy and successfully treated with surgery, hydroxyurea, and radiation.

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