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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-18449
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (scientific)
Authorblock: M. Maccio, F. Bertola, F. Rocca, G. Marcenaro, M. Calvillo, C. Dufour, B. Damasio; Genova/IT
Disclosures:
Marta Maccio: Nothing to disclose
Francesca Bertola: Nothing to disclose
Federica Rocca: Nothing to disclose
Giovanni Marcenaro: Nothing to disclose
Michela Calvillo: Nothing to disclose
Carlo Dufour: Nothing to disclose
Beatrice Damasio: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Paediatric, CT, MR, Ultrasound, Diagnostic procedure, Haematologic diseases
Purpose Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic, hereditary hemoglobinopathy caused by a mutation in the β-globin gene, resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin S. This leads to the deformation of red blood cells into a sickle shape, impairing their ability to pass through microvasculature and causing a range of clinical complications. In children, early clinical signs of SCD include jaundice, fatigue, irritability, and dactylitis, often presenting within the first year of life. Over time, SCD predisposes patients to severe...
Read more Methods and materials This study retrospectively analyzed data from a pediatric patients cohort with a diagnosis of  Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), treated at the Giannina Gaslini Institute between 2014 and 2024.Three different imaging techniques were used: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound (US), and Computed Tomography (CT).MRI was performed using 3T equipment. Cerebral scans aimed to identify vascular abnormalities, such as silent cerebral infarctions and arterial stenosis, while abdominal scans were applied to assess bone infarctions and osteomyelitis.Ultrasound was used to detect splenic and...
Read more Results The cohort was composed of 32 pediatric patients.Cerebrovascular complications were observed in 20% of patients with cerebral MRI scans. These included microinfarcts, and intracranial artery stenosis, which was primarily detected in major and proximal cerebral vessels.Skeletal complications included 46% of bone infarctions. These were most commonly observed in long bones, including the femur, humerus, and tibia. MRI findings often showed serpiginous sclerotic regions and subperiosteal hemorrhages, highlighting the extent of damage (Fig. 1). Osteomyelitis was detected in 22% of patients,...
Read more Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of various imaging techniques in the early detection and management of complications in pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD), with potential clinical implications. MRI played a pivotal role in identifying cerebrovascular complications, such as silent cerebral infarctions, which may serve as early indicators of potential symptomatic strokes. Additionally, MRI provided valuable insights into the extent of bone infarctions, helping to differentiate them from osteomyelitis and directly influencing treatment decisions.Abdominal ultrasound and CT scans proved essential for...
Read more References DeBaun, M. R., et al. American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for sickle cell disease: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cerebrovascular disease in children and adults. Published online 16 April 2020. DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001142 Ejindu, V. C., et al. Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease. RadioGraphics 2007; 27:1005–1021. Solomon, N., et al. Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disorder at Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging. RadioGraphics 2022; 42:1103–1122. DOI: 10.1148/rg.210154.
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