Paraspinal extramedullary hematopoiesis masquerading as nerve sheath tumor

Abstract

Paraspinal tumors are uncommon tumors involving the soft-tissue around the vertebrae. The lesion could originate from nerve roots, soft tissue, or blood vessels. The diversity of the lesions poses diagnostic dilemma, warranting robust histopathological diagnosis. We report such a case presenting with radicular pain due to paraspinal extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) masquerading as nerve sheath tumor. EMH is presence of hematopoietic tissue outside the bone marrow. EMH is usually seen as a compensatory mechanism associated with underlying hematological disorder. Our case presented primarily as paraspinal mass without underlying hematological disorder on evaluation. Thus, recognizing that EMH can present as paraspinal mass even without a diagnosis of pre-existing hematological disorder is crucial.