The pathology of sickle cell anaemia in Jamaican adults over 30

The pathological findings at autopsy in 7 patients over the age of 30 with sickle cell anaemia are described and discussed. The 3 youngest died of well recognized complications of sickle cell anaemia. The 4 older patients, all over 50, had been remarkably free of direct complications and died of diseases which could have been unrelated to sickle cell anaemia. Cirrhosis and chronic nephritis were not seen. Pulmonary vascular disease was seen in 2 patients but its significance in relation to sickle cell anaemia has not yet been established in Jamaican patients.