An 18-year-old African-American football player collapses during intense training camp. He has gross hematuria and left flank pain. He is known to have sickle cell trait. Which complication is most likely?

• A Renal papillary necrosis ✓
• B Splenic sequestration crisis
• C Aplastic crisis
• D Acute chest syndrome

Explanation

Sickle cell trait predisposes to renal medullary damage due to hypoxia, acidosis, and hypertonicity in the renal medulla, causing hyposthenuria and papillary necrosis. Gross hematuria from papillary necrosis is the classic presentation. Splenic sequestration, aplastic crisis, and acute chest syndrome are complications of sickle cell disease (HbSS), not trait.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.