Gastroenterological manifestations of sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell hemoglobinopathy is a common genetic disorder which is prevalent in certain areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is characterized by repeated hemolytic and vasoocclusive crises which lead to widespread vascular occlusion and subsequent multiple organ infarctions. Affected individuals present with a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders mimicking vasoocclusive episodes causing diagnostic confusion and delays that may catch the unwary clinician. This article briefly reviews the gastroenterological manifestations of sickle cell disease.