## **Core Concept**
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to sickling of red blood cells. Radiological features often reflect the systemic effects of this condition, including bone infarcts, osteosclerosis, and extramedullary hematopoiesis.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer can be deduced by understanding the common radiological manifestations of sickle cell anemia. Features such as **bone infarcts**, **osteosclerosis** (due to bone infarcts leading to sclerosis), and **extramedullary hematopoiesis** are well-documented.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option might describe a known feature such as **bone infarcts** or **osteosclerosis**, which are typical of sickle cell anemia due to vaso-occlusive crises.
- **Option B:** Similarly, this could represent **extramedullary hematopoiesis**, a compensatory response to ineffective erythropoiesis.
- **Option C:** This might represent another common feature like **splenomegaly** or **cholelithiasis**, both of which can be seen in sickle cell disease due to chronic hemolysis.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that while **autosplenectomy** (functional asplenia due to repeated infarctions) is a known complication of sickle cell disease, **splenomegaly** can be seen, especially in early stages or in certain conditions like hereditary spherocytosis. However, the presence of **cholelithiasis** (gallstones), often due to bilirubin stones from chronic hemolysis, is a significant association.
## **Correct Answer:** D.
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