In children with sickle cell disease, cerebral arteries are prone to lesions that may cause deficiencies and poor quality of life. After the age of 20, new lesions may also occur. Besides stroke and silent cerebral ischemia, other lesions may occur. Radiologic images are necessary to diagnose and blood transfusions to treat. We reviewed the literature to choose best practices and guidelines to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life of children with sickle cell disease. Risk factors identified from clinical and laboratory data and screening by Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance must be used in order to make decisions about transfusion and iron chelation therapy.
Sickle cell disease; cerebral vascular disease; stroke
