Anemias and Bone Marrow Insufficiency

Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood, with a broad spectrum of underlying causes. The most important conditions and entities resulting in or representing anemia are discussed in this chapter. Detailed information is provided for hemoglobinopathies (as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia), for primary anemias and bone marrow insufficiency (aplastic anemia, and serous atrophy). Information on age-related anemias includes inherited anemias in the child, as well as acquired anemias in the elderly. For each entity, the etiology and clinical background, followed by mechanisms and histology, and imaging characteristics are provided. The clinical symptoms of anemia are relatively uniform. However, imaging characteristics as extramedullary hematopoiesis, or complications as osteonecrosis or osteomyelitis are more likely in some forms of anemia. Disease- and treatment-related bone marrow patterns are also discussed.