[Skeletal changes in intermediate beta-thalassemia. Clinical and radiological study].

Bone changes of varying degree and distribution were observed by the Authors in 10 carriers of beta-thalassaemia intermedia in skull, ribs, hand, elbow and knee bones. When they are present, skeletal changes are the same of homozygous beta-thalassaemia, but less marked and spread. Instead, symptomatology is more homogeneous, usually characterized by mild anaemia and morphological changes of red cells with haemoglobin values in the 6-11 g/dl range, splenomegaly, jaundice, gallstones, crural ulcers. The clinical state goes through the asymptomatic condition to a more severe condition with typical appearance of Cooley's anaemia.