Management of Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: Why is a Hematologist’s Opinion Important

Hematopoietic tissue is normally present in the bone marrow and is responsible for hematopoiesis or production of different lineages of blood cells. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a compensatory mechanism in response to ineffective hematopoiesis or stress erythropoeisis, that leads to production of hematopoietic cells outside the marrow in patients with Thalassemia intermedia or Non-transfusion dependent Thalassemia (NTDT) [1]. The EMH pseudotumors are more prevalent in NTDT (20%) than in Transfusion dependent thalassemias, like β Thalassemia major (<1%) [2,3]. EMH is commonly seen in HbEβ-thalassemia, a disease very common in the eastern part of India and many South East Asian countries, and β Thalassemia Intermedia [2,4]. It may also occur in Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), commonly Myelofibrosis [5]. Rarer causes include lymphomas and leukemias [6]. In patients with lymphomas or leukemias, EMH may occur due to infiltration of the bone marrow by malignant cells [6]. EMH is caused by the expansion of the hematopoietic tissue in the extramedullary tissues, such as liver, spleen and paravertebral tissue [2]. This manifests as hepatosplenomegaly or extramedullary pseudotumors [2,3]. Many other sites may be involved, including lymph nodes, thymus, heart, breasts, prostate, broad ligaments, kidneys, adrenal glands, pleura, retroperitoneal tissue, skin, peripheral and cranial nerves, or the spinal canal. The lymph nodes are the commonest sites of involvement for EMH [7]. Of all the extramedullary sites, the paraspinal involvement (11-15%) is an emergency situation because of intense pain or paresthesias arising out of compression of the spine [8,9]. However, more than 80% cases may only be detected asymptomatically [2]. The thoracic region followed by the lumbar vertebral region are the most commonly involved paraspinal sites [10].
Skiagrams may reveal paraspinal masses or hemolytic anemia related widening of the ribs or calvaria [2]. Radiological diagnosis, by Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography, is an essential tool for the diagnosis of EMH [11,12]. Currently, MRI is the preferred choice of diagnosis and follow-up, as it can help in assessing the anatomy and soft tissue structure of the EMH pseudotumor [2]. EMH tissue comprises of immature and mature precursors of the erythroid, myeloid lineages, and megakaryocytes [7].
Presentation of the problem: It is not very uncommon to find patients being referred from the Surgery, Neurology or Neurosurgery departments. The patient may present to the Neurology/Neurosurgery departments with complaints of back pain, paresthesias, paraparesis or paraplegia of the lower limbs [9]. The patient may also present with abdominal pain or a swelling in different parts of the body to the Surgery department. Zhang et al. [1] have described two case reports, one where multiple paraspinal masses were detected in a patient of α Thalassemia, and the second, where multiple masses were detected in the thorax in a patient of β Thalassemia [1]. In both instances, the diagnosis was made by a surgical biopsy and no further surgical therapy was performed. Macki et al. [13] have described the rare idiopathic presacral EMH tumor, without an underlying past or current hematological disorder [13].
Sometimes, the spleen may also have a EMH as a pseudotumor instead of a splenic diffuse hyperplasia [14]. This spleen was excised and was later found to be a splenic hemangioma with EMH. In this case report, no underlying hematopoietic disorder were diagnosed [14]. Another case report described how a 45-year-old lady with an anterior neck swelling was found to have EMH in the thyroid gland by Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) technique. This patient was later diagnosed with an underlying Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (by clinical examination and blood tests) [15]. She was treated with Imatinib and surgery was not required. Surgery may be required if there are compressive symptoms [15]. In a 14-yearold boy diagnosed with Acute leukemia (clinically and from blood and bone marrow investigations), an FNA cytology was conducted from a large lymph node, and leukemic cells and EMH were detected [16]. This patient will require therapy of acute leukemia, rather than surgery. Another case report described a 12-yearold boy with hemolytic anemia, who was diagnosed with a well circumscribed mass in the right kidney [17]. EMH was diagnosed by FNA cytology and nephrectomy was avoided. FNA is a cost effective and quick procedure for diagnosing EMH, however, biopsy from the extramedullary pseudotumor is the diagnostic test for EMH [7,18]. In most of the published literature, the hematological disorder was either pre-diagnosed or newly diagnosed in the patient from blood/ bone marrow examination or by FNA/biopsy from the site of EMH.

The management of EMH depends on the underlying cause. In any situation where EMH is detected in an extramedullary organ, the underlying cause should be evaluated thoroughly, as often a hematopoietic disorder may be missed [17,19]. A thorough history taking, which must include a history of transfusion requirement or family history, and a clinical examination, including liver, spleen examination, evaluation of pallor, icterus or hemolytic facies, are a must. A complete hemogram and peripheral smear examination must be sent for, and based on the findings, further blood or bone marrow investigations are to be undertaken. Radiological investigations are to be undertaken to assess the extent and site of the EMH. Often, an FNA or biopsy examination may be carried out when the tumor arises in a rarer site, usually before the patient is referred to a hematologist. The commonest cause of EMH, i.e., Thalassemia will need to be managed by regular and adequate transfusions, with or without Foetal haemoglobin inducing agents [2]. In cases which lead to compressive symptoms or signs requiring immediate attention, specially EMH in the paravertebral regions, radiotherapy or surgical interventions may be considered [13]. The causes of EMH, like MPN, Lymphomas or Leukemias have to be treated in order to treat the EMH. In case of idiopathic causes of EMH, the treatment is according to the symptomatology [13].

Thus, EMH must be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in patients with a hemoglobinopathy or other hematological disorders, who present with a mass in any part of the body, including the paravertebral region. Any symptomatic tumor in the paravertebral region or elsewhere, must be treated as an emergency, and treated accordingly. History, clinical findings, a complete hemogram, radiological findings and sometimes an FNA or biopsy, will help to clinch the diagnosis, and avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.

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