Clinical Manifestations in the Maxillofacial Region of Acute Crisis of Sickle Cell Anemia: A Case Report

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease, is a hematologic condition commonly found in populations from the Middle East, India, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. One of its complications is the development of long bone osteomyelitis. However, mandibular bone involvement is rare, which makes early diagnosis of this disease difficult when it affects this anatomical region. In this article, we present the case of a 25-year-old male with a prior diagnosis of sickle cell anemia who developed mandibular osteomyelitis associated with a paramandibular abscess and ipsilateral temporomandibular joint involvement, which was diagnosed and treated medically and surgically. Through this case, we aim to provide clinical insight into mandibular infectious complications associated with sickle cell anemia, along with their diagnosis and therapeutic management. Multidisciplinary care, clinical evaluation, laboratory findings, and imaging studies are the main pillars for the management of this disease. Furthermore, we review the literature on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of mandibular osteomyelitis in patients with sickle cell disease. Key words:Sickle cell anemia, mandibular osteomyelitis, Vascular Occlusion Crisis.

Figure 1

Orthopantomography.

Figure 2

Contrast-enhanced CT scan.