Complicated migraine in AS hemoglobinopathy.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology
• Genetics

Background:

• Sickle cell trait (SCT) is generally considered benign, with neurological complications being exceptionally rare.
• Most reported cases of neurological events in SCT carriers involve individuals of Black African descent and are typically younger.
• AS hemoglobinopathy, the genetic makeup of sickle cell trait, is usually asymptomatic.

Observation:

• A case report of an adult white male with AS hemoglobinopathy presenting with complicated migraine.
• The patient subsequently developed acute occlusion in two major middle cerebral artery branches.
• This vascular event resulted in a persistent neurological deficit.

Findings:

• The occurrence of acute cerebrovascular occlusion in a white adult with sickle cell trait.
• The association between complicated migraine and subsequent arterial occlusion in this patient.
• The development of a lasting neurological deficit following the event.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with sickle cell trait.
• It suggests that sickle cell trait should be considered in the differential diagnosis of stroke, even in non-Black individuals.
• Further research is warranted to understand the risk factors and mechanisms linking SCT to cerebrovascular events in diverse populations.