H-shaped vertebrae - sickle cell disease

Case contributed by Mohamed Mahmoud Elthokapy
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Known case of sickle cell disease complaining of backache.

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Female

Depressions involving the central portion of endplates of multiple thoracic vertebral bodies give rise to H-shaped vertebrae.

Case Discussion

Focal central vertebral body endplate depression due to microinfarcts gives rise to the H-shaped vertebral sign, found in patients with sickle cell disease.

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