Beta-Thalassemia Presenting as an Acute Neurological Complication: A Case Report

Abstract

Beta-thalassemia is an inherited defect in the rate of synthesis of one or more beta-globin chains of hemoglobin resulting in anemia, hemolysis and ineffective erythropoeisis. Extramedullary hematopoietic tumors may develop in extreme cases of dyserythropoiesis. Acute neurological complications in patients with beta-thalassemia have been reported in association with cerebral ischemia, spinal cord fractures and compression from extramedullary hematopoietic tumors. However extramedullary hematopeietic tumors in the setting of acute blood loss leading to neurological complications have never been reported. We report this case of a 27-year-old woman with beta-thalassemia who presented with acute neurological defi cit during immediate postoperative period of cesarean section associated with signifi cant drop in hemoglobin. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine revealed compressive intra-spinal and para-spinal extra-medullary hematopoietic tissue. Patient's symptoms improved dramatically with conservative management.