Myonecrosis in sickle cell anemia: Case study

Joint Conference on 6^th International Conference on Clinical & Medical Case Reports & 11^th Global Healthcare & Fitness Summit

October 16-18, 2017 San Francisco, USA

Lalita Turaga

Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Case Rep

Abstract :

Statement of the problem: Soft tissue, muscle vaso-occlusive disease, is often over-looked and poorly understood complication in patients with sickle cell anemia. We present a case study of a patient in sickle cell crisis with an episode of acute pain and swelling to the intrinsic muscles of the foot as a prominent feature of the crisis. Theoretical Orientation: Myonecrosis is among the more infrequent clinical presentations of sickle cell crisis. Medical literature is sparse detailing the manifestations and management of symptoms relating to sickle cell anemia and is limited to anecdotal case reports and case series. In myonecrosis, red cells containing sickle hemoglobin become rigid, resulting in reduced blood flow and potential vaso-occlusion. Besides the rarity of the condition, this may be secondary to the fact that sickle cell myonecrosis is a poorly recognized complication amongst diagnosing physicians, and signs and symptoms may not always be corroborated by positive muscle injury biomarkers. Findings: Muscle biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of myositis or myonecrosis, a low intensity signal on T1 and high intensity signal on T2 at the affected muscle belly can be as conclusive as imaging studies. Conclusion & Significance: Early recognition is critical in sickle cell disease management, allowing for prompt and aggressive fluid resuscitation, which remains a cornerstone in the management of most sickle cell vaso-occlusive crises. In this instance, offloading the extremity and early fluid resuscitation proved critical in resolving the pain and swelling while averting progression to more permanent form of muscle damage and necrosis.

Biography :

Lalita Turaga is currently a third year Podiatric Resident at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and has Graduated from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 2015. She strongly believes that service to others, especially those less fortunate, is important for her fulfillment. During her training years, she has participated and organized multiple medical mission trips to India. These mission trips provided multitude of medical and surgical care at Leprosy centers and charity centers across a province in Southern India. She hopes after residency graduation to use her skills and training to make a lasting impact in lives of people in rural communities globally where there is low to no access to medical care.