# Evaluation of Mandibular Bone Microstructure in CT Scans of People with Sickle Cell Disease

## TL;DR

This study finds that people with sickle cell disease have weaker and more porous mandibular bone structure compared to healthy individuals.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into mandibular bone microstructure changes in sickle cell disease using CT scans.

## Key findings

- Mandibular bone in SCD patients has fewer and thinner trabeculae.
- SCD patients show lower fractal dimension and higher porosity in mandibular bone.
- Bone connectivity is significantly reduced in individuals with sickle cell disease.

## Abstract

Objective
 Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common inherited disease, and is characterized by a genetic modification that determines the production of a hemoglobin with altered morphology. This anatomical change of hemoglobin leads to vaso-occlusive disorders and premature hemolysis of the cell, causing chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperplasia due to increased hematopoietic demand. As a consequence, several skeletal changes are reported in the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis, femur, and metatarsals. In the craniofacial region, dentofacial deformities are described, especially maxillary protrusion. However, studies evaluating bone microarchitecture are scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mandibular bone microstructure of people with SCD on computed tomography (CT) scans.

Materials and Methods
 Morphometric parameters were analyzed on CT scans of the mandible of people with SCD and people without this disease or any other disease affecting bone metabolism, matched for sex and age.

Statistical Analysis
 The results were compared by Student's
t
-test for paired samples and for an error probability of 5%.

Results
 This study demonstrated that the mandibular bone of people with SCD presents significantly less number, connectivity and thickness of bone trabeculae, as well as having a lower fractal dimension and greater porosity.

Conclusion
 Mandibular bone of people with SCD has lower bone density and more widely spaced trabeculae.