Splenic infarction as the first manifestation of S/C sickle cell disease.

Among adults with S/C sickle cell disease, over 50% have splenomegaly and t he remainder have asplenia secondary to repeated splenic infarctions during childhood. Splenic infarction and/or sequestration can occur in adults wit h S/C sickle cell disease. However, there have been few reports of acute sp lenic complications in these patients. Published series have been very smal l, and in many cases the infarction was secondary to severe hypoxia. The ca se of a young, apparently healthy man who developed splenic infarction as t he first manifestation of S/C sickle cell disease is reported. He had no hi story of exposure to high altitudes.