ACS

Q: Which is the one required component to diagnose acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease?



Answer: Radiographic evidence of a new segmental (at least one complete segment) pulmonary infiltrate.

Above is the required component to diagnose ACS when it is present with any of the following

• Temperature ≥38.5°C
• >2 percent decrease O2 saturation from a documented steady-state value on room air
• PaO2 less than 60 mmHg 
• Tachypnea  
• Intercostal retractions
• Nasal flaring
• Use of accessory muscles of respiration
• Chest pain 
• Cough 
• Wheezing 
• Rales

#Pulmonary

#hematology

Reference:

Ballas SK, Lieff S, Benjamin LJ, et al. Definitions of the phenotypic manifestations of sickle cell disease. Am J Hematol 2010; 85:6.