Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Emergency, CT, MR, Ultrasound, Education, Acute
Authors:
T. Rashid1, D. Sadowsky1, T. Li1, U. Hasan1, C. Lugo2, L. LeCompte2, P. Gerard2; 1Valhalla, NY/US, 2Valhalla/US
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-1291
Background
Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive disease which results from a point mutation in the gene that codes for the beta globin chain of hemoglobin,
resulting in sickled red blood cells which impair blood flow in the deoxygenated state.
Possessing one copy of this trait confers a protective effect against malaria and survival advantage.
Globally,
4.4 million people are estimated to have sickle cell disease,
with an additional 43 million having sickle cell trait.
80% of sickle cell disease occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa,
with disease also occurring in other parts of the world,
such as India,
the Arabian Peninsula,
and among people of African descent living in other parts of the world.
Acute conditions that precipitate presentation are nearly always related to ischemic effects on a particular organ.
Proper survey,
evaluation,
and reporting radiologic findings in several different types of acute presentations of common complications is essential for the radiologist for prompt diagnosis and treatment.