Magnetic resonance imaging of a pediatric osteoarticular complication of sickle cell disease: Bone infarction associated with soft tissue collection

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by hemoglobin S polymerization, leading to recurrent vaso-occlusive episodes and multiorgan complications. Osteoarticular involvement is a major cause of morbidity in children. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl with homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS) who presented with acute right leg pain, fever, and localized swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a metaphyseal bone infarction associated with an adjacent soft tissue collection. This case highlights the pivotal role of MRI in evaluating bone marrow abnormalities and surrounding soft tissues and in differentiating infarction from osteomyelitis.