Inherited condition affecting the red blood cells. Due to abnormal hemoglobin the red blood cells become sickle-shaped under conditions of hypoxia. They have decreased capacity to carry oxygen to the tissues.
The hematopoietic system responds with the proliferation of bone marrow, at the expense of the cancellous bone, in order to produce more red blood cells.
It affects mainly black populations. It occurs mostly in children and adolescents.
Radiographic changes:
Hair-on-end calvarium
widening of the diploic space
enlarged marrow spaces in all bones
generalized osteoporosis
enlargement of jaws
thinning of all cortical structures (such as the skull cortex)