Mr.Bennett was admitted with a hematocrit of 28%.He has a history of chronic anemia, moderate splenomegaly, and recent retinal hemorrhages.His peripheral smear reveals target cells, and some show structures jutting from the red cell membrane.The most probable diagnosis is:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's history of chronic anemia, moderate splenomegaly, recent retinal hemorrhages, and presence of target cells and structures jutting from the red cell membrane seen in the peripheral smear suggest a diagnosis of sickle cell trait (Hgb S) and hemoglobin C disease (Hgb C). The presence of both hemoglobin S and C results in a milder form of sickle cell disease known as Hgb S-C disease. The low hematocrit also supports the diagnosis of anemia. Hgb S-S and Hgb A-C do not explain the combination of clinical and laboratory findings seen in this patient. Hgb A-A is a normal hemoglobin type and is not associated with sickle cell disease.

MrBennett Was Admitted with a Hematocrit of 28