Obstructive Jaundice Secondary to Extramedullary Hematopoiesis

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the development of hematopoietic tissue outside of the bone marrow. In adults, the bone marrow is the main site of hematopoiesis. When this process occurs outside of the bone marrow, it is a sign of disease or deficiency. Clinically, the findings of EMH may be diverse. One rare complication that can arise from EMH is obstructive jaundice. This occurs when there is a blockage of bile flow leading to retention of bilirubin in hepatocytes. Identifying the markers of EMH and obstructive jaundice is important for optimizing positive outcomes. While often asymptomatic, EMH can be deadly if left untreated. In this case, we present a patient with obstructive jaundice secondary to EMH.