Humeral head and femoral head osteonecrosis due to sickle cell disease

Case contributed by Yaïr Glick
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Patient Data

Age: Young adult
Gender: Male

Subchondral lucencies with a sclerotic rim in both humeral heads.

Focal cortical collapse at the superior aspect of the right femoral head, with a small subchondral lucency and prominent surrounding sclerosis (Steinberg stage IV). There is sclerosis of the acetabular roof. No joint space narrowing appreciated.

Other than the above, the chest and abdominal x-rays are normal.

Case Discussion

Bilateral humeral head necrosis and right femoral head necrosis in a sickle cell disease patient.
No other abnormal findings on the chest or abdominal x-rays. The abdominal pain could have been due to a sickle cell crisis.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.