Spleen CT Appearances
Sickle Cell Disease CT Findings
- Autoinfarctation of the spleen common
- Splenic size may be 1cm in many cases
- S-S has the smallest spleens due to repeated infarctions
Other Information About Sickle Cell Disease
Etiology:
- SCD is inherited
Epidemiology:
- More common in people of African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent
Presentation:
- Anemia
- Generalized pain (“pain crises”)
- Acute chest syndrome
- Blood clots and/or stroke
- Problems with vision
- Priapism
Prognosis:
- The only cure for SCD is a stem cell transplant
- Patients with SCD can have their symptoms managed
- SCD generally decreases lifespan by 20-30 years
Related Pearls: Sickle Cell Disease
Related Lectures:
MDCT Evaluation of the Spleen: Challenges in Diagnosis Part 3
MDCT Evaluation of the Spleen: Challenges in Diagnosis - Part 4