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 complications such as anemia, painful crises, strokes, and multi-organ damage. Hospitalization is frequently required for conditions like acute chest syndrome (ACS), bone infarctions, and splenic sequestration. Due to the complexity of managing SCD, imaging modalities are essential tools for identifying, diagnosing, and monitoring disease-related complications. Techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) play a crucial role.

This retrospective study aims to describe: i) the prevalence of SCD complications and their association with hospitalization events, and ii) the role of various imaging techniques employed.