Hepatopathy in sickle cell disease with osteomyelitis: a challenging diagnosis: case report

Abstract

‘Sickle hepatopathy’ is a condition which is seen in only 10% cases of sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle hepatopathy could be due to acute sickle crisis, sequestration, cholangiopathy, severe intrahepatic cholestasis or as a result of chronic blood transfusion related infection and hemosiderosis. Differentiating the cause for hepatopathy in SCD is challenging. Hepatopathy manifestation can range from mild liver function test abnormality to life threatening fulminant hepatic failure. Hence, demanding prompt recognition and management. Here we reported a one such case of 13 year old male with progressing jaundice and bony pain with swelling of lower limbs was diagnosed as SCD with right proximal tibia sickle osteomyelitis and left knee septic arthritis with hepatopathy who was managed with supportive care and surgical intervention.