Tags: Disease.
A vaso-occlusive crisis is a common painful complication of sickle cell anemia in adolescents and adults. It is a form of sickle cell crisis. Sickle cell anemia – most common in those of African Hispanic and Mediterranean origin – leads to sickle cell crisis when the circulation of blood vessels is obstructed by sickled red blood cells causing ischemic injuries. The most common complaint is of pain and recurrent episodes may cause irreversible organ damage.