A Traveler to Holland with a Benign Killer : A Case Report of a Sickle Cell Trait Male with Splenic Infarction

Sickle cell trait is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. However, most of the patient are asymptomatic, only few present with symptoms of the complications of the disease. We report a case of 24-year-old male who presented to the hospital with history of dull left upper quadrant, nausea and vomiting while he was on the airplane. Investigation showed a picture of sickle cell trait with hemoglobin S of 40%. Peripheral blood smear was within normal. CT scan of the abdomen confirmed the presence of splenic infraction. This case emphasized on the need to increase the level of threshold to recognize the rare complications of sickle cell trait and how to manage them appropriately.