J Korean Soc Radiol.  2012 Mar;66(3):263-266. 10.3348/jksr.2012.66.3.263.

Serial CT Findings of Resolving Extramedullary Hematopoiesis as Unilateral Posterior Mediastinal Mass after Splenectomy in Hereditary Spherocytosis: A Case Report

• Nam MY
• Lee JW
• Kim YJ
• Kim YJ
• Kang YH
• Lee KH

• KMID: 1439423
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2012.66.3.263

Abstract

Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare condition of the hereditary spherocytosis. EMH usually regresses or disappears after treatment; such as splenectomy in the case of spherocytosis. We report a case of hereditary spherocytosis. It is presented with an unilateral paravertebral posterior mediastinal mass. After splenectomy, it revealed shrinkage and fatty replacement on serial CT scans.

MeSH Terms

Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary
Spherocytosis, Hereditary
Splenectomy

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 46-year-old man with hereditary spherocytosis. A. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the lower thorax shows well demarcated homogenous soft tissue lesion in left paravertebral area at the level of T11. B. CT image obtained 6 months after splenectomy reveals newly appeared low attenuated portion (arrow) in the paravertebral mass without change in size. C. CT image obtained 18 months after splenectomy shows shrinkage of the left paravertebral mass with near total fat replacement.

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