Radiological Findings of Acute Soft Head Syndrome in an Adolescent: A Rare Complication of Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia predominantly affects individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent. Acute soft head syndrome is an uncommon complication linked to this condition. Herein, we report the case of a 17-year-old male patient with sickle cell disease who presented to our emergency department with generalized body pain, primarily localized to the abdomen, lower back, and hips, bilaterally. During his hospital stay, he developed a headache and progressive swelling in the scalp that subsequently extended to the forehead, finally involving the eyes. Radiological features and computed tomography (CT) of the brain demonstrated diffuse subgaleal soft tissue swelling of the scalp with subgaleal fluid collections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed findings consistent with acute osteonecrosis which were indicative of acute soft head syndrome. In light of these radiological findings, conservative management, including intravenous fluids and analgesics, was initiated. This case underscores the significance of considering acute soft head syndrome in the differential diagnoses for headache and scalp swelling in adolescents with a history of sickle cell anaemia. Furthermore, the purpose of this report is to highlight the significance of radiological evaluation in the proper management of acute soft head syndrome.