# A Case of Spinal Epidural Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Diagnosed Using Indium-111 Bone Marrow Scintigraphy

## TL;DR

A 67-year-old man with a spinal tumor was diagnosed with extramedullary hematopoiesis using indium-111 bone marrow scintigraphy, avoiding unnecessary surgery.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the utility of 111In scintigraphy in diagnosing epidural extramedullary hematopoiesis.

## Key findings

- 111In bone marrow scintigraphy confirmed the presence of epidural extramedullary hematopoiesis.
- The tumor size decreased after radiation therapy.
- The case highlights the diagnostic value of 111In scintigraphy in avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention.

## Abstract

Although indium-111 (111In) bone marrow scintigraphy is commonly used to assess bone marrow function, it plays a significant role in diagnosing extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) due to isotope accumulation in hematopoietic bone marrow. In our case, a 67-year-old man with polycythemia vera presented with an epidural tumor, for which EMH was considered a differential diagnosis. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by 111In bone marrow scintigraphy. The tumors exhibited a reduction in size following radiation therapy. We report this case to highlight the utility of 111In bone marrow scintigraphy in diagnosing EMH. This imaging modality can confirm epidural EMH and help avoid unnecessary surgeries.