Alterações morfológicas em tomografias computadorizadas (TC) da coluna cervical em pacientes com doença falciforme: um estudo descritivo.

Abstract

The objective was to describe and characterize morphological changes observed in cervical spine computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with sickle cell disease treated at a tertiary care center in Bahia, Brazil. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of sickle cell disease, aged between 14 and 60 years, who underwent cervical spine CT scans between June 2024 and March 2025, were included. Morphological changes suggestive of sickle cell disease-related bone involvement, as well as degenerative alterations, were systematically assessed and recorded. A total of 27 patients were included. The mean age was 33.4 ± 13.4 years, and 59% were female. The most frequent sickle cell disease-related findings were H-shaped vertebrae (26%; 95% CI: 13.2%–44.7%), bone density alterations including heterogeneity and sclerosis (22%; 95% CI: 10.6%–40.8%), and loss of cervical lordosis (26%; 95% CI: 13.2%–44.7%). Degenerative changes were also prevalent, with cervical spondylosis identified in 33% (95% CI: 18.6%–51.0%) and intervertebral disc degeneration in 30% (95% CI: 16.2%–47.9%) of the patients. Additionally, 22% (95% CI: 10.6%–40.8%) had no pathological findings on CT. Cervical spine CT scans in patients with sickle cell disease frequently demonstrate both disease-related bone abnormalities and degenerative changes. These findings underscore the importance of systematic cervical spine evaluation in this population and highlight the need for further studies with larger samples and control groups.