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 hepatic sequestration, hepatomegaly, and parenchymal changes. Power Doppler US analysis further allowed for the evaluation of vascular perfusion in cases of splenic infarctions.

Computed Tomography was employed to diagnose Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) and to provide detailed visualization of thoracic pathologies. Additionally, thoraco-abdominal scans offered a comprehensive evaluation of splenic infarctions.