Hepatic sequestration in sickle cell anaemia. Issue 6470 (9th March 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatton, C S; Bunch, C; Weatherall, D J
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 290:Issue 6470(1985)
• Page Start: 744
• Page End: 745
• Publication Date: 1985-03-09
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.290.6470.744
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Several episodes of acute hepatic enlargement associated with a dramatic fall in haemoglobin concentration were observed in two patients with sickle cell anaemia. No appreciable disturbances of liver function or signs of cardiac failure were evident. The most likely mechanism was sequestration of sickled erythrocytes in the liver. This complication, which may have a basis similar to that of splenic sequestration and the sickle lung syndrome, may be easily overlooked unless the size of the liver is regularly monitored in patients with sickle cell crisis.