[Radiotherapy of paraplegia caused by extramedullary hematopoietic tissue]. / Zur Radiotherapie der durch extramedulläres hämatopoetisches Gewebe bedingten Paraplegien.

ABSTRACT

The presentation by computed tomography of an extramedullar epidural intraspinal hemopoisis has only been described sporadically. It has been possible to visualize by CT-scans the regression under radiotherapy of a sensory and motor paraplegia in a 17 years old patient with beta-thalassemia major. The central nervous system (thoracic and lumbar zone as well as os sacrum) was exposed to a total reference dose of 30 Gy which was administered within twenty days by a 60Co unit in single doses of 2 Gy each. From 4 Gy on, the paraplegic symptoms regressed continuously. The control CT taken after 26 Gy- the paraplegia had completely disappeared at this time-showed a significant regression of the intraspinal soft tissue masses. Radiotherapy is very important in the treatment of this disease. A direct correlation is found between clinical symptoms and CT-presentation.