Splenic Infarct Secondary to High Altitude Exposure in Sickle Cell Trait Patients: A Case Series

Cureus. 2020 Aug 17;12(8):e9815. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9815.

Abstract

The sickle cell trait is considered a benign entity that generally does not show clinical manifestations. However, some complications have been described under certain conditions, such as a decrease in oxygen level, dehydration, and strenuous physical efforts. Among them, splenic infarct is a rare complication that presents as left upper abdominal pain in a situation of stress such as high altitude exposure. We present two cases of splenic infarcts in patients with undiagnosed sickle cell trait who showed to our institution with severe abdominal pain after coming from high altitude cities.

Keywords: high altitude; sickle cell trait; splenic infarct.

Publication types

  • Case Reports