CT of Gastrointestinal Vasoocclusive Crisis Complicating Sickle Cell Disease.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this article are to illustrate the CT appearance of gastrointestinal vasoocclusive crisis in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), highlight potential complications, and review other conditions that may have similar findings.

CONCLUSION

The gastrointestinal vasoocclusive crisis in SCD is rare but can result in potentially life-threatening ischemia and death. Knowledge of the spectrum of CT features of the gastrointestinal vasoocclusive crisis is important in making the diagnosis and potentially preventing complications.