Open AccessSplenic infarction in two members of the family with sickle cell trait: A case report of rare complication
Author(s) -
Mithilesh Kumar Sinha,
Babita Raghuwanshi,
Nerbadyswari Deep Bag,
Apurba Barman
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of applied and basic medical research/international journal of applied and basic medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2248-9606
pISSN - 2229-516X
DOI - 10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_369_16
Subject(s) - sickle cell trait , splenic infarction , medicine , complication , abdomen , disease , family history , infarction , surgery , pediatrics , pathology , spleen , myocardial infarction
Sickle cell trait is a highly prevalent condition. It is not a disease. However, it has been associated with few rare complications. Splenic infarction is one among them. The altitude-related hypoxia is the most common predisposing factor for this. The simultaneous occurrence of this complication in more than one member of a family is so rare that possibly, it is the only second such case report. We encountered this in two members of a family, the father and his son. They were on a religious visit to a 12,756 feet high mountain cave, when they developed pain left upper abdomen. A thorough workup including contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen established the diagnosis. Both recovered uneventfully on the conservative management. As it is a rare occurrence, the finding must be interpreted carefully. There is no need to screen the individuals for sickle cell trait before high-altitude travel.