Fast Five Quiz: Are You Prepared to Confront Sickle Cell Disease?

Emmanuel C. Besa, MD; Sophie M. Lanzkron, MD, MHS

September 23, 2021

Figure 2. SCD, computer-generated image. Sickle cell anemia, or drepanocytosis, is a recessive, genetic blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. Here, healthy blood cells are seen along with diseased cells.

The most common clinical manifestation of SCD is vaso-occlusive crisis. A vaso-occlusive crisis occurs when the microcirculation is obstructed, causing ischemic injury to the organ supplied and resultant pain. Pain crises constitute the most distinguishing clinical feature of SCD and are the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for affected patients.

Learn more about the clinical presentation of SCD.

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Cite this: Emmanuel C. Besa, Sophie M. Lanzkron. Fast Five Quiz: Are You Prepared to Confront Sickle Cell Disease? - Medscape - Sep 23, 2021.

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