Mandibular lesions of vasoocclusive origin in sickle cell hemoglobinopathy

Sickle cell hemoglobinopathy is an inherited disorder characterized by vasoocclusive crises. Involvement of the maxillofacial skeleton leading to radiopaque lesions that correspond to bone infarcts has rarely been reported in the literature. Forty-two adult patients suffering from sickle cell anemia were examined radiographically for radiopaque lesions situated in the course of a known vessel or in the apical region of the teeth. In 6 cases, such lesions were combined with facial pain during sickle cell crisis and absence of dental pathology and were considered to be of possible vasoocclusive origin. In conclusion, vasoocclusive involvement should be taken into consideration when assessing painful episodes or neurological symptoms in the maxillofacial region in this patient population.