Lumbar nerve root compression due to extramedullary hemopoiesis in a patient with thalassemia: complete clinical regression with radiation therapy. Case report and review of the literature.

The authors describe the case of a 24-year-old woman who had a history of beta3-thalassemia and presented with severe symptoms of lumbar nerve root compression due to extramedullary hemopoiesis in the intervertebral foramen. Radiation therapy (2000 cGy in six fractions) was delivered to the mass. The patient's neurological symptoms completely resolved following treatment.