[Cord compression secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis in a patient with beta-thalassaemia].

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a common manifestation in beta-thalassemia, but can also occur in several clinical hematologic disorders or neoplasms. It has been reported in almost all sites of the body. Often asymptomatic, it can be manifested by compression of the adjacent organs. Spinal cord compression as a consequence of EMH in the intraspinal epidural space is an extremely rare complication. We report a case of a 34 year old man who was hospitalised for complete paraplegia and spasticity of both lower limbs; spinal cord compression on D4-D8 by EMH was diagnosed by MRI and confirmed by histologic examination.