Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease and Skull Infarction: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction Skull infarction is an uncommonly reported complication of sickle cell disease. We aimed to characterize the clinical and imaging features of skull infarction in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Methods We searched the PubMed database for case reports on skull bone infarction in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Out of 67 records retrieved, 15 met inclusion criteria, and a 16th case reported by the senior author was included. We extracted and analyzed clinical and imaging data. Results The most common symptom at onset was headache (88%). Bilateral skull infarction (50%) and parietal bone involvement (82%) were frequent imaging findings. Epidural hematoma developed in 65% of the cases, 30% of patients required drainage, and exchange infusion was reported in 18%. No fatal outcomes were reported. Conclusions Skull infarction is a potentially severe complication of sickle cell disease presenting unique clinical challenges. Acute headaches should raise suspicion for this condition and may require additional investigation.