CT and MR findings in extramedullary haematopoiesis with biliary system encasement: a case report

Authors

  • Alfredo La Fianza
  • Giulia van der Byl
  • Gloria Maccabelli
  • Lorella Torretta
  • Fabrizio Calliada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v4i11.462

Keywords:

Extramedullary haematopoiesis, diagnostic imaging, biliary system, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI

Abstract

Extramedullary haematopoiesis is the production of blood elements outside the bone marrow cavity. In our case computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a rare localization of extramedullary haematopoiesis with encasement of the biliary system in a 59 years-old male Caucasian patient, with chronic myelofibrosis and hepatic failure's symptomatology. Computed tomography detected the presence of homogeneous hypodense tissue around intra-hepatic bile ducts with minimal contrast enhancement, strongly suggestive for extramedullary haematopoiesis. Magnetic resonance confirmed the presence of a solid tissue surrounding the biliary-tree, showing late enhancement after gadolinium administration suggestive for non-active lesion of extramedullary haematopoiesis. Final diagnosis was established by percutaneous biopsy.

Published

2010-11-04

Issue

Section

Gastrointestinal Radiology