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Summary
Bone infarction, a common sickle cell disease complication, rarely affects the orbit. This case highlights sphenoid bone infarction presenting as proptosis, successfully diagnosed using bone imaging and CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) frequently causes bone infarction, but orbital involvement is exceptionally rare.
- Literature review indicates only four previously reported cases of orbital bone infarction in SCD patients.
Observation:
- A patient with SCD presented with headache, proptosis (bulging eye), and eyelid edema.
- Clinical symptoms suggested an orbital pathology, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with sphenoid bone infarction.
- Radionuclide bone imaging and computed tomography (CT) of the orbit were crucial in identifying the bone infarction.
- Imaging helped differentiate bone infarction from other potential causes of proptosis.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of orbital complications in sickle cell disease.
- Highlights the utility of combined bone imaging and CT in diagnosing rare orbital bone infarcts.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering bone infarction in SCD patients with orbital symptoms.