Acute Thoracic Compressive Myelopathy as a Rare Manifestation of Thalassemia: A Case Report

Dr Sumanta Pattnaik, Dr Bishwajit Mund, Dr Amit

Abstract: Acute thoracic compressive myelopathydue to extra medullaryhaematopoiesis and wedge compression fracture can occur as a rare complication in beta thalassemia. Here we present a 22 year thalassemic male presented with acute thoracic compressive myelopathy. On examination, power of upper limb 5/5, power of both lower limbs 0/5, definite sensory level at T10, UMN type bladder. MRI shows acute wedge compression fracture D7 vertebra and several paravertebral masses with expansion of osseous medullary spaces suggestive of extra medullary haematopoiesis. The patient did not improve on medical management, and the patient party refused for surgical treatment.

Keywords: Thalassemia, Thoracic compressive myelopathy, Extra medullary haematopoiesis, Paravertebral mass, Bone mineral density