Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell anaemia

A patient suffering from sickle cell anaemia who presented with the acute chest syndrome is described. The syndrome is reported to be one of the commonest causes of death in adults suffering from sickle cell disease. As it is difficult at presentation to distinguish the syndrome from infection, it is usual to give treatment appropriate for both. Early exchange transfusion is thought to limit further damage from sickling and offers the best hope of recovery.