Sub capsular splenic hematoma in a sickle cell trait carrier. Case report
Ugalde, D.; Conte, G.; Ugalde, Héctor.; Figueroa, Gón.; Cuneo, M.; Muñoz, M.; Mayor, J.
Revista Medica de Chile 139(9): 1192-1195
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9887 PMID: 22215399 Document Number: 648342
Drepanocytic anemia is an uncommon hereditary disease in Chile. The heterozygous state of drepanocytic anemia or "sickle trait" has a frequency of 8% among Afro-Americans. A small number of patients carrying hemoglobin S are homozygous, with clinical manifestations of hemolytic anemia and thrombotic disease. Sickle trait is usually asymptomatic. We report a 59-year-old male who presented an acute abdominal pain and dyspnea while staying at high altitude. Six days later, an angio CAT scan showed the presence of a subcapsular splenic hematoma that was managed conservatively. Sickle cell induction with sodium metabisulphite was positive. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed the sickle trait.