Hemoglobin C-S Disease Complicated by Paracolon Osteomyelitis

Abstract

Bacterial osteomyelitis has been reported as a complication of sickle-cell anemia. The cases previously described, however, were not studied by newer techniques to differentiate the various hemoglobinopathies. The following case is one of hemoglobin C-S disease complicated by chronic osteomyelitis of both humeri due to paracolon bacilli. Report of Case A 29-year-old Negro man was admitted initially to the Philadelphia Veterans' Administration Hospital on May 5, 1954. He had been asymptomatic until 1946, at which time he developed pain in both arms and in the right hip. A diagnosis of osteomyelitis involving the proximal portion of the right femur and both humeri was made. The proximal portion of the right femur and the distal portion of the right humerus were surgically drained. Drainage from the right humerus continued for an eight-month period. Shortly thereafter, spontaneous drainage from the proximal end of the right humerus developed and persisted until admission. He