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Sickle cell anemia

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Young adult with sickle cell anemia. Admitted with abdominal pain

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Large left upper quadrant mass.  No calcification.  Appearances in keeping with splenomegaly, which is a feature earlier in the disease, before autosplenectomy

Avascular necrosis of the right femoral head - also a feature of sickle cell anemia

Case Discussion

Other features of sickle cell anemia which may be present on the AXR include: H shaped vertebrae, gallstones or a calcified spleen (later in disease).

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