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Beta thalassemia major

Case contributed by Matt Skalski
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Withheld.

Patient Data

Age: 40
Gender: Male
x-ray

The visualized skeletal structures are diffusely osteopenic, with expansion of the medullary spaces and a lace-like trabecular pattern. There is no evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis. 

Note is made of previous splenectomy and cholecystectomy. 

x-ray

The visualized skeletal structures are diffusely osteopenic, with expansion of the medullary spaces and a lace-like trabecular pattern. 

Case Discussion

The findings in this case are typical of thalassemia, with marrow proliferation leading to expansion of all medullary spaces creating a lace-like trabecular pattern due to severe chronic anemia. 

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