Extramedullary hematopoiesis within the clivus: an unusual cause of lower cranial nerve palsy

J Neurooncol. 2010 Dec;100(3):481-5. doi: 10.1007/s11060-010-0208-7. Epub 2010 May 9.

Abstract

We report one year follow up of a case of extramedullary hematopoiesis within the clivus. The imaging findings, brief clinical course, and endoscopic transphenoidal approach are described. A 29-year-old female with thalassemia developed worsening cranial nerve signs. After imaging studies discovered a large clival mass, she underwent endoscopic transphenoidal biopsy of the lesion. Neural compression from exuberant erythrogenesis within tissue normally quiescent of red blood cell production was found to be the etiology of her neural deficit. Treatment for this condition is generally non-operative unless significant neural compression is present. Radiotherapy and anti-neoplastic agents have been used with success.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / pathology*
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Thalassemia / complications*
  • Thalassemia / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods