Effect of radiotherapy on symptoms due to heterotopic marrow in beta-thalassaemia

8 thalassaemic patients with complications due to pressure by heterotopic marrow on the spinal cord, the vertebral column, or the airways were given radiotherapy. Small doses of radiotherapy (10 to 26 Gy) relieved symptoms in all of them. 3 of the patients were followed-up radiographically. In 2 the mass of heterotopic marrow regressed completely and in the other partially.