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Case report: sickle cell trait and recurrent deep venous thrombosis
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Sickle cell trait is rarely linked to blood clots, but this case shows recurrent deep vein thrombosis in a young man. His sickle cell trait was the only identified risk factor for these unusual thromboembolic events.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Sickle cell trait is generally considered benign.
- Thromboembolic events are uncommon in individuals with sickle cell trait, especially without hypoxia.
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) typically has multiple risk factors.
Observation:
- A case report of a young African American male experiencing recurrent lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.
- The initial DVT episode occurred at 18 years of age.
- Multiple subsequent DVT events were documented.
Findings:
- The patient's medical history revealed the presence of sickle cell trait.
- No other significant risk factors for venous thromboembolism were identified.
- Sickle cell trait was the sole identifiable risk factor for recurrent DVT in this patient.
Implications:
- This case challenges the established understanding of sickle cell trait's association with thromboembolic risk.
- Highlights the need for considering sickle cell trait as a potential risk factor for DVT in specific clinical contexts.
- Suggests further investigation into the mechanisms linking sickle cell trait to venous thrombosis.