A Case of Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that often leads to recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), causing severe pain and complications such as acute chest syndrome. This case report explores the clinical course, management, and outcome of a VOC in a young adult male with SCD, with a particular focus on cannabis use as a potential trigger. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old Hispanic male with a history of sickle cell anemia (HbSS), dilated cardiomyopathy, and prior autosplenectomy in 2010 presented with a VOC affecting his back, chest, abdomen, and legs. Initial evaluation revealed stable vital signs, no acute distress, and a hemoglobin level of 6.2 g/dL, which improved to 8.6 g/dL after a blood transfusion. Imaging, including a chest X-ray (CXR), revealed perihilar and infrahilar opacities on [11/27], which were resolved by [11/28]. The patient was treated with intravenous morphine, ketorolac, and cefepime for possible infection. His pain resolved by the fifth hospital day, and he was discharged on ibuprofen with follow-up in the hematology clinic. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of prompt pain management, infection control, and transfusion support in treating VOCs in SCD patients. The potential role of cannabis use as a trigger for VOCs warrants further investigation and patient education.