ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA – NEED FOR A SHIFT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Anthonia A. Ikpeme*, Grace B. Inah* and Emmanuel E. Ekanem+
ABSTRACT
Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic condition that results in a chronic hemolytic anaemia. This condition is very common in sub-Saharan Africa. It is associated with vaso-occlusive, anaemic and infarctive crises and infections. These crises and infections often present alike and therefore require the use of imaging to differentiate, as management of each differs. Till date x-rays play a very important role in this. With improved care the patients are surviving longer with increasing incidence of acute and chronic complications. X-rays have a number of disadvantages including radiation hazards particularly on repeated exposures, shortage of power and water supply, unavailability of radiographers and radiologists in the areas where the disease is most common. All these make the use of x-rays as the first and most important imaging modality in this group of patients cumbersome. Ultrasound especially mobile ultrasonography has clear advantages over x-rays including convenience, availability, and safety and could replace x-rays while preserving accuracy and sensitivity in the diagnosis of complications of sickle cell anaemia. Imaging in this condition should shift towards ultrasonography.
Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia, Investigations, Therapy, Ultrasonography.
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