The condition which characteristically shows bone infarcts is:: (A) Iron deficiency anaemia, (B) Thalassemia, (C) Sickle cell anaemia, (D) Hereditary spherocytosis
Answer is C. Bone marrow infarcts are frequent causes of pain in sickle cell anaemia. The heads of the femur and humerus are susceptible to avascular necrosis, a potential source of constant pain and disability. Ischemic bone becomes susceptible to bacterial osteomyelitis. Joint effusions and occasionally hemahrosis may be seen adjacent to infarcted bones. Ref: Kato G.J., Gladwin M.T. (2005). Chapter 108. Sickle Cell Disease. In J.B. Hall, G.A. Schmidt, L.D. Wood (Eds), Principles of Critical Care, 3e.