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Acute gastrointestinal vaso-occlusive ischemia in sickle cell disease: CT imaging features and clinical outcome

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, specific imaging features, and outcome of gastrointestinal vaso-occlusive ischemia (GVOI) in sickle cell patients undergoing CT for acute abdominal pain.

Methods

This HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved retrospective study evaluated sickle cell patients with an abdominal pain crisis and acute gastrointestinal abnormalities on CT from 1/2006 to 1/2014. CT findings were divided into those compatible and incompatible with bowel ischemia or clinical diagnosis of GVOI. Two abdominal radiologists (1, 13 years’ experience) reviewed the CTs for specific imaging features of ischemia. Clinical laboratory values (lactate, WBC) and outcome were recorded. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney two-sample rank-sum test were performed.

Results

Of 217 CTs, 33 had acute gastrointestinal abnormalities: 75% (25/33) consistent with ischemia and clinical GVOI. Complications of ischemia occurred in 16% (4/25): ileus (50%), perforation (25%), and pneumatosis (25%). In uncomplicated cases, all had bowel wall thickening: segmental 52% (11/21) or diffuse 48% (10/21). The colon was commonly involved (76%, 16/21), particularly the ascending (57%, 12/21). Most abnormalities (52%, 11/21) were in the superior mesenteric artery distribution. Average lactate (4.3 ± 4.0 mmol/L, p = 0.02) and WBC count (20.1 ± 10.4, ×1000 cells/μL, p = 0.01) were significantly higher in GVOI. Overall mortality in patients with GVOI was 17% (3/18).

Conclusion

GVOI is an important feature of the acute abdominal crisis in patients with sickle cell disease and can be seen in up to 75% of patients with abnormal bowel findings on CT. The diagnosis should be strongly considered in sickle cell patients with CT findings of diffuse or segmental bowel wall thickening, particularly involving the colon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM360, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Carly S. Gardner

  2. Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Box 3808, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Tracy A. Jaffe

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  1. Carly S. Gardner
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Correspondence to Carly S. Gardner.

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For this retrospective study, formal consent is not required and informed consent waived.

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Gardner, C.S., Jaffe, T.A. Acute gastrointestinal vaso-occlusive ischemia in sickle cell disease: CT imaging features and clinical outcome. Abdom Radiol 41, 466–475 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-015-0621-7

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