Sickle cell leg ulcer successfully managed by hyperbaric oxygen: a case report

Abstract

Sickle cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are usually chronic, painful, and devastating complications of sickle cell disease. Skin vaso-occlusion with compromised blood flow, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction is thought to be the underlying mechanism. It is usually slow to heal, and it may become chronic and superinfected. The management of SCLUs is usually challenging and requires a multidisciplinary team. Multiple systemic and local therapies have been tried in SCLU treatment. However, the outcome is variable: currently, there are no official recommendations for the best effective treatment. Herein, we report a 34-year-old male patient with non-transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease who was suffering from a chronic left ankle ulcer and was successfully managed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, resulting in a complete resolution of this devastating complication.

The Curious Case of a Painful Leg Ulcer

“…The disease manifestations result from the production of abnormal hemoglobin, which, in turn, results in red blood cells that assume a sickle configuration. These abnormally shaped cells occlude dermal vasculature, leading to acute and chronic damage of various tissues [1]. Sickle cell leg ulcers have varying rates of occurrence, with the United States having between 8% and 10% [2][3][4].…”