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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
11:50
Ex vivo Mimicry of Normal and Abnormal Human Hematopoiesis
Published on: April 10, 2012
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Extramedullary haematopoiesis: radiological imaging features.
A S Roberts1, A S Shetty1, V M Mellnick1
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, Campus Box 8131, 510 S. Kingshighway Blvd, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Clinical Radiology
|July 6, 2016
Summary
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH), blood cell production outside bone marrow, presents varied imaging findings. Recognizing these patterns aids diagnosis, especially in abdominal cases where biopsy may be needed.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Hematology
- Pathology
Background:
- Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is blood cell production outside the bone marrow, often due to conditions like myelofibrosis or thalassemia.
- EMH can manifest with diverse imaging features depending on the anatomical location.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common and uncommon imaging appearances of EMH across different anatomical compartments.
- To aid radiologists in diagnosing EMH and planning appropriate biopsies.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging findings of EMH.
- Correlation with clinical history and underlying causes.
Main Results:
- Thoracic EMH typically appears as paravertebral fat-containing masses.
- Abdominal EMH commonly presents as hepatosplenomegaly, potentially with focal masses in the liver, spleen, or peritoneum.
- Non-fatty abdominal soft-tissue masses require biopsy due to differential diagnoses like lymphoma or sarcoma.
Conclusions:
- Imaging appearances of EMH vary significantly by location.
- Clinical history is vital for considering EMH in non-specific abdominal masses.
- Careful biopsy planning is essential due to hemorrhage risk.
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