Imaging of musculoskeletal manifestations in sickle cell disease patients

Br J Radiol. 2017 May;90(1073):20160130. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20160130. Epub 2017 Mar 10.

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary red cell disorder with clinical manifestations secondary to sickling or crescent-shaped distortion of the red blood cells. Major clinical manifestations of SCD include haemolytic anaemia and vaso-occlusive phenomena resulting in ischaemic tissue injury and organ damage. Chronic sequelae of the anaemia and vaso-occlusive processes involving the musculoskeletal system include complications related to extramedullary haematopoiesis, osteonecrosis, myonecrosis and osteomyelitis. Sickle cell bone disease is one of the commonest clinical presentations. Awareness and knowledge of the imaging features related to these complications are essential for early diagnosis and prompt management. In this article, the pathophysiology and key imaging findings related to these complications are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / complications*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Musculoskeletal System / diagnostic imaging
  • Musculoskeletal System / physiopathology
  • Radiography / methods