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Ulcerative colitis in patient with sickle cell disease: A conspiracy of nature that turns surgeon’s decision into a challenge

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Hellenic Journal of Surgery

Abstract

Introduction

Concurrent presentation of ulcerative colitis and sickle cell disease is a very rare incident. We report the fifth case to be reported worldwide.

Case Report

A 21-year-old woman with coincidental ulcerative colitis and sickle cell disease presented complaining of an acute abdominal pain, rendering the differential diagnosis as a very challenging task. Finally, she underwent surgery involving a long-term and multistep procedure.

Discussion

Abdominal pain could be ascribed to ulcerative colitis or a sickle cell crisis. Surgical intervention is reserved for acute complications of both diseases. If surgery is chosen as the treatment modality in a surgical emergency, a multistep and extended procedural plan must be considered to ensure the optimal outcome of the patient.

Conclusion

The rarity of this coincidental abdominal pain renders differential diagnosis a very challenging task for the attending physician. If surgical intervention is inevitable, both the patient and surgeon must understand the long-term and multistep plan to ensure an optimal outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic, 2401, South 31st Street, Temple, Texas, 76805, USA

    L. Liasis, H. T. Papaconstantinou & C. C. Clark

  2. 1st Surgical Department, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece

    I. Tierris

Authors
  1. L. Liasis
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  2. H. T. Papaconstantinou
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  3. I. Tierris
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  4. C. C. Clark
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Correspondence to L. Liasis.

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Liasis, L., Papaconstantinou, H.T., Tierris, I. et al. Ulcerative colitis in patient with sickle cell disease: A conspiracy of nature that turns surgeon’s decision into a challenge. Hellenic J Surg 85, 55–57 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-013-0008-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-013-0008-6

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