Oral Radiographic Changes in Severe Sickle Cell Anemia Patients: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Sickle cell disease is caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene, resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin. Various oral radiographic changes have been documented in the literature, though they are less frequently reported in patients with severe disease. This study aimed to evaluate specific radiographic features in pediatric patients with severe sickle cell disease.

This retrospective comparative study was conducted at the Dental Department of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. A total of 72 pediatric patients (aged 6-14 years) with genetically confirmed severe sickle cell disease and 96 age-matched healthy controls were included. Dental radiographs were evaluated by four calibrated examiners for the presence of radiopaque areas, increased spacing of bony trabeculae, absence of mandibular canal corticalization, faint lamina dura, spiky roots, taurodontism, and haziness of the maxillary sinuses. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05.

The sickle cell group showed a significantly higher prevalence of increased trabecular spacing (58.3% vs. 19.8%), absence of mandibular canal corticalization (68.1% vs. 16.7%), faint lamina dura (19.4% vs. 2.1%), taurodontism (15.3% vs. 9.4%), and haziness of the maxillary sinuses (69.4% vs. 43.8%) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons).

Pediatric patients with severe sickle cell disease demonstrated a higher prevalence of specific radiographic changes, particularly increased trabecular spacing, loss of mandibular canal corticalization, and haziness of the maxillary sinuses. This study highlights the importance of recognizing these imaging features in the assessment of disease severity.