Sickle cell anemia: a mimicker of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by presence of abnormal hemoglobin S, leading to sickling of RBCs. The prevalence of sickle cell carriers among different tribal groups varies from 1-40%. Rheumatoid arthritis closely mimics the bone crisis symptoms in sickle cell anemia hence prompt diagnosis should be made to commence correct choice of treatment. We reported an 18 year old female with sickle cell disease who presented multiple intermittent joint pain of both limbs for 6 years with acute worsening of pain for the past 7 days. Diagnosis of sickle cell anemia becomes important as musculoskeletal manifestations of the disease can mirror the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and the treatment given for rheumatoid arthritis can potentially worsen the condition in patients with sickle cell anemia.