Acute splenic sequestration crisis in an adult with sickle beta-thalassemia

Acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease. Reports of ASSC in adults with sickle beta-thalassemia (S-beta(thal)) are rare and consist of isolated case reports comprising a total of seven patients, three of whom died during the crisis. We report a 22-year-old man with S-beta(thal) who developed ASSC 1 day after suffering multiple blunt trauma. Systemic inflammatory response to severe blunt trauma may have precipitated ASSC in our patient. ASSC in adults with S-beta(thal) is a potentially life-threatening complication with a high risk of recurrence. Splenectomy is recommended after the first attack of ASSC in adults with S-beta(thal).