Focal extra-axial hemorrahagic mass with subdural hemorrhage secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis in idiopathic myelodysplastic syndrome

• Published in: Journal of neurosurgical sciences Vol. 51; no. 1; p. 29
• Main Authors: A Di Lieva, Aimar, E, Tancioni, F, Levi, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Torino Edizioni Minerva Medica 01-03-2007
• ISSN: 0390-5616; 1827-1855

Idiopathic myelodysplastic syndrome is a disease characterized by a clonal stem cell disorder in which megacaryocitic and granulocytic lineages are mainly involved; extramedullary myeloid metaplasia is due to abnormal location of myeloid tissue in other organs than bone marrow. Rarely the central nervous system is involved. When it happens, it is typical to find masses around the brain and pachymeningeal thickening, but it is very rare to find it associated with subdural haemorrhage, as in the case we describe in the present article. Considering our case and the literature we can suggest that radiological images associated with the clinical history of the patient suggestive for extramedullary hematopoiesis can be sufficient for a correct diagnosis and for a radiotherapy treatment, demanding surgery in the case of diagnostic doubts, massive hemorrahages or neurological decifits caused by the focal lesions.