Orbital involvement in sickle cell disease: A systematic review.
Surv OphthalmolJun 3, 2026 (epub)
Jai Paris, Abdullah I Almater, Charlotte Mackenzie et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed 76 cases of orbital involvement in sickle cell disease (SCD) from 53 studies. Predominantly affecting males with an average age of 13.2 years, the review highlighted that 6.6% presented with orbital disease as the initial SCD manifestation. Key findings included that 93.1% achieved complete recovery, emphasizing the importance of early recognition.
Key findings
- Orbital disease was the initial SCD manifestation in 6.6% of cases.
- 93.1% of patients achieved complete recovery.
- Periorbital edema was present in all cases, with proptosis in 64.1% and restricted ocular motility in 56.5%.
- Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis in 73% and raised inflammatory markers in 86.7%.
Why it matters
Understanding the manifestations of orbital involvement in sickle cell disease is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, as these complications can threaten vision. Early recognition can significantly improve patient outcomes.