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Imaging review of sickle cell disease for the emergency radiologist

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Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the most common inherited genetic syndromes in the USA, is characterized by recurring episodes of acute illness and progressive multisystem organ injury. Individuals with SCD frequently present to the emergency department for a spectrum of complications, such as vaso-occlusive crises, infection, cholecystitis, and stroke. Imaging correlates for most of these presentations exist, positioning the emergency radiologist to play a pivotal role in facilitating patient care. Using a systems-based approach, we describe the acute and chronic imaging manifestations of SCD that an emergency radiologist can expect to encounter in most practice settings, highlighting the unique pathophysiology of this disorder that typically underlies the imaging findings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA

    Shenise N. Gilyard, Scott L. Hamlin, Jamlik-Omari Johnson & Keith D. Herr

  2. Division of Emergency and Trauma Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road NE Suite #D112, Atlanta, USA

    Shenise N. Gilyard, Scott L. Hamlin, Jamlik-Omari Johnson & Keith D. Herr

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Gilyard, S.N., Hamlin, S.L., Johnson, JO. et al. Imaging review of sickle cell disease for the emergency radiologist. Emerg Radiol 28, 153–164 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-020-01828-8

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