Splenic Syndrome in a young man at high altitude with undetected Sickle Cell Trait

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Date

2018

Authors

Fernando, C.H.K.A.
Mendis, S.
Upasena, A.P.
Costa, Y.J.
Williams, H.S.A.
Moratuwagama, D.

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Publisher

Sage

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Splenic syndrome is a rare presentation of sickle cell disease. It is important to rule out this possibility when an ethnically vulnerable patient presents with an acute abdominal symptoms in a background of precipitating events. CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old man who developed a severe abdominal pain at high altitude, found to have a tender splenomegaly. However, further inquiry revealed he is from an area where sickle cell disease is prevalent. Screening for sickle cell disease was positive. Radiological investigations confirmed a massive splenic infarction keeping with a diagnosis of splenic syndrome. Patient was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Sickle cell trait is considered a benign carrier state. However, rarely they can present with life-threatening conditions. Therefore, a high degree of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis of these specific entities to avoid increased morbidity and mortality of these patients.

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Keywords

Splenic Infarction, plenic Infarction-etiology, Sickle Cell Trait, Sickle Cell Trait-complications, Prospective Studies, Retrospective Studies

Citation

Journal of Patient Experience. 2018;5(2):153-155

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