Differential diagnosis of some simple osseous lesions associated with sickle-cell anemia.

Sickle-cell disease is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, rapid destruction of defective erythrocytes, with consequent circulatory disturbances. Thromboses and infarctions with resultant osseous manifestations tend to be localized in the ends of the long bones or in the medullary area, the latter often becoming apparent in the jaws. Three case reports are presented to illustrate osseous changes observed in the jaws of these sickle-cell patients. The radiographic findings demonstrate the adaptive mechanisms of bone metabolism in response to vascular infarction, infection, or both in some sickle-cell anemia patients. A differential diagnosis is suggested for osseous lesions observed in the jaws of these patients.