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Proptosis, skull infarction, and retro-orbital and epidural hematomas in a child with sickle cell disease

A A Mallouh1, M Young, J Hamdan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dhahran Health Center, Saudi Arabia.

Clinical Pediatrics
|October 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

A Saudi child with sickle cell disease (SS) experienced rare complications including skull bone infarcts and hematomas. This case highlights unusual presentations of SS in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SS) is a genetic blood disorder common in Saudi Arabia.
  • Complications of SS can affect multiple organ systems, including the brain and eyes.

Observation:

  • A Saudi child with SS presented with bilateral periorbital swelling and right proptosis.
  • The child also exhibited skull bone infarcts, a retro-orbital hematoma, and an epidural hematoma.

Findings:

  • Skull bone infarcts are an uncommon finding in sickle cell disease patients.
  • Retro-orbital and epidural hematomas are also rare complications associated with SS.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare neurological and ophthalmological complications in pediatric SS.
  • Early recognition and management of these unusual SS manifestations are crucial for patient outcomes.

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