Symmetric myositis and fasciitis: a complication of sickle cell anemia during vasoocclusion.

Repeated episodes of symmetric myositis and fasciitis occurred in 2 males with sickle cell anemia after prolonged painful crises. Drugs and infection could not be implicated as a cause. Histologically and therapeutically these cases differ from all other known types of myositis/fasciitis. Microscopic evidence of vasoocclusion compels consideration of an ischemic basis for this previously undescribed entity.