Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
extramedullary hematopoiesis
Pronunciation: EK-strah-MED-you-lair-ee hee-MAT-oh-poy-EE-sis
Blood cell production occurring outside the bone marrow, typically in the liver and spleen.
Full Definition
The production of blood cells in organs other than bone marrow, most commonly the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. In pediatric patients, this can occur as a compensatory mechanism in conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell disease when bone marrow function is inadequate. Extramedullary hematopoiesis may present as hepatosplenomegaly and can be detected through imaging studies or tissue biopsy.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as EMH in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's hepatomegaly was attributed to extramedullary hematopoiesis secondary to beta-thalassemia major." — Clinical case report
- "MRI findings confirmed extramedullary hematopoiesis in the paravertebral region." — Radiology report
Also known as
EMH
ectopic hematopoiesis
Contrasted with
medullary hematopoiesis
Don't confuse with
myelofibrosis
hepatosplenomegaly