Avascular necrosis of the femoral heads in a patient with sickle cell disease (MRI images)

MRI images from the same patient as in the plain radiograph (image 3). These images correspond to the time point depicted panel A in the plain radiograph in the accompanying figure. Numerous additional findings are seen on MRI that were not appreciable on the plain films.

• Panel A shows a T2-weighted image depicting numerous bilateral bone infarcts in the pelvis (arrows).
• Panel B shows the accompanying STIR image depicting infarcts in both femoral heads (dashed arrows) and a subchondral fracture of the superolateral aspect of the right femoral head (arrowhead).