Splenic Infarction in Two Members of the Family with Sickle Cell Trait: A Case Report of Rare Complication

Sickle cell trait is a highly prevalent condition. It is not a disease. However, it has been associated with few rare complications. Splenic infarction is one among them. The altitude-related hypoxia is the most common predisposing factor for this. The simultaneous occurrence of this complication in more than one member of a family is so rare that possibly, it is the only second such case report. We encountered this in two members of a family, the father and his son. They were on a religious visit to a 12,756 feet high mountain cave, when they developed pain left upper abdomen. A thorough workup including contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen established the diagnosis. Both recovered uneventfully on the conservative management. As it is a rare occurrence, the finding must be interpreted carefully. There is no need to screen the individuals for sickle cell trait before high-altitude travel.