Acute Chest Syndrome Masquerading As Sepsis: A Rare Presentation of Sickle Cell Anemia Complication

Abstract

Sickle cell disease in adults leads to various complications by hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusion. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a severe life-threatening complication that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and rapidly progressing respiratory failure. Early recognition and timely management are vital and lifesaving. We present a case of a 38-year-old female with a past history of multiple blood transfusions, who presented with features suggestive of sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction and obstructive jaundice. The patient showed minimal response to empirical antibiotics. However, no source of infection or features of biliary obstruction was found. The possibility of a hematological disorder was suspected in the background of multiple blood transfusions, and she was eventually diagnosed to have acute chest syndrome. She improved with transfusion, drug therapy, and adequate pain control.