Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Visualized on FDG-PET/CT in a Patient with Beta-Thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by reduced or absent synthesis of the beta chains of hemoglobin, resulting in decreased hemoglobin production. Symptoms depend on the type of beta-thalassemia ranging from no symptoms to severe illness. Ineffective erythropoiesis leads to a sequence of events responsible for bone marrow expansion, anemia, hemolysis, splenomegaly, increased iron absorption, and sometimes extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). We report an interesting case with EMH visualized on FDG-PET/CT and where FDG-PET/CT has also found the focus of a severe infection in a patient with beta-thalassemia.