Sickle cell anemia, right atrial thrombosis, and the antiphospholipid antibody

Abstract

We report a patient with sickle cell anemia (homozygous Hb SS) and typical features of sickle chest syndrome but with no response to exchange transfusion. A right atrial thrombus was found, and antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in his blood. He responded to thrombolytic therapy. The relationship between right atrial thrombus and massive pulmonary embolus, and the implications of an additional thrombophilic state in sickle cell disease are discussed.