Adenotonsillar hypertrophy: A precipitating factor of cerebrovascular accident in a child with sickle cell anemia

Cerebrovascular accident is one of the most serious complications of sickle cell anemia. The specific factors that predispose patients with sickle cel l anemia to stroke are increased disease severity, higher baseline white bl ood cell count and lower baseline hematocrits. Likewise the presence of a c o-existent alpha thalassemia trait and/or high fetal hemoglobin (HbF%) may reduce the risk. We report a child with sickle cell anemia and marked adeno tonsillar hypertrophy resulting in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. There was no other known risk factor for developing cerebrovascular accident in t his child during her hospitalization for adenotonsillectomy.