Establishment of Functional MRI Imaging Parameters for Use in the Evaluation of Sickle Cell Disease

Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are at increased risk for episodes of stroke, both
overt clinically evident and subclinical lesions only seen on imaging, which have associated
morbidity and mortality. In addition, SCA patients demonstrate relatively poorer cognitive
performance compared to their peers without SCA that is believed to be related to the
episodes of stroke, but may be present even in their absence.

This study is designed to explore potential risk factors in patients with SCA that will
identify predictors of cerebral damage that may also be modifiable. Elevated blood flow in
cerebral arteries and increased inflammation are believed to be related to both ischemic
lesions and cognitive findings but have not yet been clearly proven. We aim to use new MRI
techniques which target cerebral blood flow and inflammation to identify differences in SCA
patients and peers and follow this with an initial exploration of the association between
these pathologic findings and cognitive deficits.

The investigator does not assign specific interventions to the subjects of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patient with HbSS/HbSB0,

- age between 18 and 55 years or age/gender/race/education matched peer

Exclusion Criteria:

- Previous history of a stroke/transient ischemic attack,

- neurosurgery,

- head trauma,

- seizures,

- pulmonary embolism,

- deep-vein thrombosis,

- bleeding/clotting disorders,

- current or previous use of anticoagulation medications