A large intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis in alpha-thalassemia: A case report

RATIONALE: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare disease characterized by the formation of hematopoietic elements outside the bone marrow driven by several hematological disease. To the best of our knowledge, EMH is relatively common in patient with beta-thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis but rarely reported in patients with alpha-thalassemia. Here, we discuss a large intrathoracic EMH (measuring 95 mm × 66 mm) without presenting severe complications in alpha-thalassemia along with literature review. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 55-year-old Chinese female patient with alpha-thalassemia presented with ipsilateral pleural effusion and low hemoglobin level. DIAGNOSIS: Lung cancer was suspected at first and the mass was subjected to CT-guided percutaneous mediastinum biopsy and the pathology confirmed the final diagnosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis. INTERVENTIONS: Blood transfusion, thoracentesis and regular follow up were scheduled rather than surgical interventions or radiotherapy since our patient did not exhibit significant symptoms. OUTCOMES: After 6 months’ regular follow up, the patient exhibited no evidence of disease progress. LESSONS: EMH is frequently misdiagnosed and should be differentiated from other masses in thoracic cavity, especially when the underlying hematological disease is discovered. Treatment methods of EMH include surgical resection, hyper-transfusion, hydroxyurea, low-dose radiation or a combination of them.