Abstract
To investigate cerebral hemodynamics in sickle cell disease (SCD), we used the 133Xenon inhalation technique of quantifying cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 67 patients. Clinical examinations and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging also were performed in all patients. Compared with age-matched healthy controls, CBF was elevated by 68% in patients, and inversely related to hematocrit. An experimental index of cerebral blood volume, pr4, was also elevated in the patients in a similar manner. Cerebral blood volume was positively correlated to CBF in SCD patients but not in controls. History of stroke and current neurologic symptoms were associated with lower flow and higher cerebral blood volume. Transfusion therapy reduced the hyperemia, the reduction being greater than expected by hematocrit elevation alone. These findings document a vasodilatory hyperemia in SCD. This dilatation may be a risk factor for ischemic distal-field infarctions, as visualized by MRI, due to a limitation of cerebrovascular reserve capacity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
