Extramedullary haemopoiesis in thalassaemia intermedia: an unusual case of relapsing paraparesis in pregnancy.

We report a case of thalassaemia intermedia complicated during two consecutive pregnancies by two episodes of spastic paraparesis due to compression of the spinal cord by extramedullary paravertebral masses. The patient was successfully treated by hypertransfusion and local irradiation. Compression of vital organs by the extramedullary masses must always be considered in chronic haemolytic anaemias during periods of increased haemopoietic demands like pregnancy. As relapses can not be excluded, a closer follow-up is needed. A dose of irradiation preventing from recurrences in the same anatomical area, seems necessary.