RESUMEN
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder, which occurs due to a single gene mutation. It has multisystemic manifestations, affecting millions of people worldwide. The effect of SCD on joints and musculature can overlap with clinical features of autoimmune disease (AD). It is therefore difficult for clinical haematologists and physicians treating SCD patients to discriminate between these two conditions clinically. A delay in diagnosis leads to untreated symptoms and treatment differs considerably. An accurate knowledge of clinical findings and laboratory results of AD and SCD can help physicians avoid this. In the review that follows, we examine the existing literature on SCD and AD, and describe the features that may distinguish SCD and autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. We aim to guide clinical haematologists and physicians towards a more rapid diagnosis of AD in sickle cell anaemia patients, by correct interpretation of the clinical assessment and commonly available diagnostics.
Asunto(s)
Anemia de Células Falciformes , Artritis Reumatoide , Enfermedades Autoinmunes , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico , Anemia de Células Falciformes/complicaciones , Anemia de Células Falciformes/diagnóstico , Anemia de Células Falciformes/terapia , Artritis Reumatoide/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/diagnóstico , Diagnóstico Diferencial , HumanosRESUMEN
Vertebroplasty is a well-established treatment for both pathological and painful osteoporotic fractures. It is a frequently performed and generally low risk, but severe complications can occur. We report on a patient with metastatic breast cancer requiring vertebroplasty for pain relief who suffered an unusual complication: a pulmonary cement embolism. We describe our management of the case and the controversies related to the use of anticoagulation. In addition, we carried out a brief literature review of common practices in relation to this complication. This case highlights the difficulty of managing anticoagulation in the complex setting of cancer and the need for greater awareness among clinicians of this uncommon, but possibly catastrophic complication.