Cutaneous manifestation of sickle cell disease

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy. SCD patients commonly present with skin ulceration. This case is about a 22-year-old male whose initial presentation was reddish spots on both lower legs. Skin biopsy revealed features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis with sickled red blood cells (RBCs). He was further evaluated with sickling test which was positive. His hemoglobin electrophoresis was reported as sickle-beta thalassemia. This case is presented to emphasize the importance of RBC morphology and high index of suspicion, particularly in dealing with patients from the sickle cell belt area.

Keywords

• sickle cell disease
• sickle red blood cells
• sickle-beta thalassemia
• skin lesion