QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is a complication of sickle cell anaemia which normally occurs in children (the spleen in sickle cell patients is normally atrophied by adulthood) and is caused by the pooling of blood in the spleen. Patients typically present with shock, abdominal pain and severe anaemia.
10001390
d
Splenic sequestration crisis
QuestionChoice
Asthma would also present with a wheeze, however, it would not cause pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray and is not a complication of sickle cell disease.
10001389
c
Asthma
QuestionChoice
Aplastic crisis is a complication of sickle cell disease in which there is a sudden reduction in bone marrow production due to parvovirus B19 infection, resulting in the temporary cessation of new red blood cell production. A patient experiencing an aplastic crisis would have a sudden drop in haemoglobin and no respiratory changes.
10001388
b
Aplastic crisis
QuestionChoice
Acute chest syndrome presents with chest pain, fever, tachypnoea and wheeze. It is characterised by pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray and is treated with antibiotics, oxygen and analgesia.
10001387
a
Acute chest syndrome
QuestionChoice
Vaso-occlusive crisis is caused by the occlusion of small vessels causing distal limb ischaemia. Patients present with severe sudden onset pain but do not experience pyrexia or respiratory symptoms such as wheeze or low oxygen saturations.
10001391
e
Vaso-occlusive crisis
Concept
Chapter
2693
3921
sickle cell disease
Topic
157
Haematology
12824
A 16-year-old male presents to A&E with chest pain and shortness of breath. He has a past medical history of sickle cell anaemia. On examination, he has an audible wheeze throughout both lungs.


His basic observations show the following:
Respiratory rate: 27 breaths per minute
Oxygen saturation: 85%
Heart rate: 112 beats per minute
Temperature: 37.8
Blood pressure: 110/80mmHg


His haemoglobin is 83g/L and was 84g/L 6 months prior (normal range 103-170 g/L). A chest x-ray is done which shows pulmonary infiltrates.


What complication of sickle cell anaemia is most likely occurring in this patient?
a