Acute splenic sequestration in the absence of palpable splenomegaly.

Abstract

Purpose: Acute splenic sequestration in children with sickle hemoglobinopathies is a medical emergency characterized by splenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Patients and methods: We describe a young girl with hemoglobin SC disease who experienced an acute splenic sequestration without palpable splenomegaly.

Conclusions: We emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion for splenic sequestration and the utility of ultrasonography in documenting splenomegaly.