Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) represents tumor-like proliferation of hemopoietic tissue which complicates chronic hemoglobinopathy. Intracranial EMH is an extremely rare occurrence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a precise diagnosis. It is essential to distinguish EMH from other extradural central nervous system tumors, because treatment and prognosis are totally different. Herein, we report the imaging findings of beta-thalassemia in a 13-year-old boy complaining of weakness of left side of the body and gait disturbance; CT and MRI revealed an extradural mass in the right temporoparietal region.
Adolescent ; Brain Diseases/diagnosis/*etiology/surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; *Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; beta-Thalassemia/*complications