Imaging of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is an important health care issue in the United States and in certain areas in Africa, the Middle East and India. Although a great deal of progress has been made in understanding the disease at the molecul ar and pathophysiologic level, specific treatment which is safe and accessi ble for most patients is still elusive. Going into the next millennium, the management of this disease is still largely dependent on early diagnosis a nd the treatment of complications with supportive care. Thus, diagnosis and evaluation of the complications of the disease are crucial in directing cl inical care at the bedside. Modern imaging modalities have greatly improved, and their application in t he patient with the sickling disorders has enhanced the decision - making p rocess. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical aspects of co mmon complications of the disease and to discuss imaging approaches which a re useful in their evaluation.