T2-blackout effect on DWI as a sign of early bone infarct and sequestration in a patient with sickle cell disease

Abstract Differentiation of bone infarct from osteomyelitis is one of the most challenging issues in the evaluation of acute bone pain in sickle cell patients. The imaging modalities that are currently being used for assessment of bone marrow in this population have several limitations. We present a case of an 18-year-old male with a history of sickle cell disease, who was transferred to our emergency department with progressively severe headache and jaw pain for one-week. Initial evaluation was concerning for osteomyelitis and epidural abscess formation. Due to the lack of response to the current antibiotic treatment, he was transferred to our institution. On further review of the images, atypical DWI findings that were identified in the early phase of presentation helped to differentiate bone infarct from osteomyelitis. Radiologists should be aware of this phenomenon, as it can help in the differentiation between these two pathologies and can affect the patient's management overall.