Splenic Syndrome in a Young Man at High Altitude with Undetected Sickle Cell Trait. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernando, CHKA; Mendis, S; Upasena, AP; Costa, YJ; Williams, HS; Moratuwagama, D
• Is Part Of: Journal of patient experience. Volume 5:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: sickle cell trait -- high altitude -- splenic syndrome; Patient satisfaction -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction; Patient participation; United States; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1177/2374373517747905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3735

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.