Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Córdoba (Dec 2020)

Sickle cell trait: a cause of abdominal pain and pulmonary embolism

  • Emanuel José Saad,
  • Ayelén Tarditi Barra,
  • Gabriela Monzoni,
  • Carolina Villegas,
  • Aldo Hugo Tabares

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31053/1853.0605.v77.n4.25077
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 77, no. 4

Abstract

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Introduction: Sickle cell trait (SCT) is a rare and underdiagnosed disorder in the Argentinian population. In this condition, individuals carry the mutation of the HbS gene in one of the two beta-globin genes. In general, SCT does not present with the typical manifestations of sickle cell anemia. However, under certain circumstances, some clinical characteristics of the disease may develop. Methods: We discussed the case of a 39-Year old man who presented with persistent abdominal pain of unknown origin after traveling to a high-altitude place. He underwent laparotomy without a definite diagnosis. After that, the patient developed signs of splenic infarction and pulmonary thromboembolism that were confirmed by computed tomography. Results: A sickling test was positive, and a hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed an abnormal fraction at the HbS level. In this context a diagnosis of SCT was made. Additional, tests revealed a strongly positive lupus anticoagulant. Conclusion: SCT presentation as abdominal pain and thromboembolic disease in adult patients after exposure to high altitudes is a rarely suspected diagnosis.

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