Question

A person who has sickle cell anemia may show certain radiographic changes in the bones of the skull. These changes may be?

1) Enlargement of the skull bones
2) Thinning of the skull bones
3) Abnormal shape of the skull bones
4) None of the above

Answer 1

Radiographic changes in the skull bones of a person with sickle cell anemia typically show an abnormal shape due to increased bone marrow activity trying to compensate for the anemia caused by crescent-shaped erythrocytes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The radiographic changes observed in the skull bones of individuals with sickle cell anemia are primarily attributed to chronic anemia and the consequent bone marrow hyperplasia. The characteristic crescent-shaped abnormal red blood cells (erythrocytes) in sickle cell anemia can cause blockages in narrow capillaries, resulting in tissue damage and triggering increased bone marrow activity to compensate for the chronic anemia.

This heightened bone marrow activity leads to distinctive radiographic changes, often presenting as a "hair-on-end" appearance in the skull bones. Therefore, the correct answer, as mentioned, is 3) Abnormal shape of the skull bones. Recognizing these radiographic features is crucial for clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring the effects of sickle cell anemia on the skeletal system, offering valuable insights into the severity and progression of the disease.