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Headache and Scalp Edema in Sickle Cell Disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Giovanna Pari  and
Hyman M. Schipper
Giovanna Pari
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal
Hyman M. Schipper*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal
*
Department of Neurology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote St. Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T1E2
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Abstract

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Background: Major neurological complications of sickle cell disease include cerebral infarction and intracranial hemorrhages. Methods: We describe the case of a 25-year-old man with sickle cell disease who developed a severe headache of acute onset, located at the vertex. There was associated pitting edema of the scalp. Results: Technetium and gallium bone imaging showed focal decreased uptake of the tracers, consistent with a recent fronto-parietal skull infarction. Management included intravenous hydration and analgesic medication. Conclusions: In addition to the more common intracranial vaso-occlusive complications, skull infarction should be considered as a cause of new-onset headache in patients with sickle cell disease, especially if scalp edema is present.

Résumé

Résumé

Anémie falciforme: céphalée et oedème du cuir chevelu. Introduction: Les infarctus cérébraux et les hémorragies intracrâniennes constituent les principales complications neurologiques de l’anémie falciforme. Méthodes: Nous présentons le cas d’un homme de 25 ans avec anémie falciforme qui a développé une céphalée intense, d’apparition soudaine, localisée au vertex ainsi qu’un oedème local. Résultats: Des scintigraphies au technetium et au gallium ont démotré une hypcaptation de la région du vertex, suggérant la présence d’un infarctus du crâne. Le traitement a consisté en une hydration par voie intraveineuse et une analgésie. Conclusions: Nous concluons que l’infarctus crânien doit être considéré dans le diagnotic différentiel des céphalées aiguës chez les patients avec anémie falciforme, en particulier s’il y a un oedème du cuir chevelu.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , August 1996 , pp. 224 - 226
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1996

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