Hepatobiliary Ultrasonographic Abnormalities in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Steady State in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundSickle cell anaemia (SCA) is associated with structural manifestations in the hepatobiliary axis. This study aimed to investigate the hepatobiliary ultrasonographic abnormalities in adult patients with sickle cell anaemia in steady state attending the Haematology clinic of a federal tertiary health institution in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Material/MethodsBasic demographic data as well as right upper abdominal quadrant ultrasonography of 50 consecutive sickle cell anaemia patients were compared with those of 50 age- and sex-matched subjects with HbAA as controls.ResultsEach of the study groups (patients and controls) comprised of 21 (42%) males and 29 (58%) females. The age range of the patients was 18–45 years with a mean (±SD) of 27.6±7.607 years, while that of the controls was 21–43 years with a mean (±SD) of 28.0±5.079 years (p=0.746). Amongst the patients, 32 (64%) had hepatomegaly, 15 (30%) cholelithiasis and 3 (6%) biliary sludge. Fourteen (28%) of the patients had normal hepatobiliary ultrasound findings. In the control group, one (2%) person had cholelithiasis, one (2%) biliary sludge, one (2%) fatty liver and none hepatomegaly. Forty-seven (94%) of the controls had normal hepatobiliary ultrasound findings. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of hepatomegaly and cholelithiasis between the patients and controls (p value <0.001 for both comparisons).ConclusionsIn this study, hepatomegaly, cholelithiasis and biliary sludge were the most common hepatobiliary ultrasound findings in patients with sickle cell anaemia. Ultrasonography is a useful tool for assessing hepatobiliary abnormalities in patients with sickle cell anaemia.

Reply to comment on sonographic evaluation of abdominal organs in sickle cell disease

“…However, in our study, we clearly noted the limitations of our findings that “findings were not specific, as no biopsy or any other imaging modality was used to confirm sonographic findings. [1] Previous studies[23] reported similar findings.…”

Cholelithiasis in patients with paediatric sickle cell anaemia in a Saudi hospital

“…The results showed that a quarter of participants developed cholelithiasis at a mean age of 6.9 years. However, previous studies have reported prevalence of cholelithiasis in the range if 4.2%–58% 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. This wide range in cholelithiasis frequency is mainly attributable to differences in geographic area and age group as well as differing inclusion and exclusion criteria among studies.…”

Sonographic Assessment of Some Abdominal Organs in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Ilorin, Nigeria

“…[ 6 ] A study conducted by Oguntoye et al . [ 7 ] on hepatobiliary ultrasonographic abnormalities in adult patients with SCA in steady state in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, among 50 SCA and 50 age- and sex-matched subjects with HbAA as controls. The result shows that among the patients, 32 (64%) had hepatomegaly, 15 (30%) cholelithiasis, and 3 (6%) biliary sludge.…”