title: Sickle Cell Trait-Related Exertional Deaths: Observations at Autopsy and Review of the Literature.
abstract: Sickle cell trait-related exertional deaths, although rare, are well-accepted in the field of forensic pathology; however, the increased risk of sudden unexpected deaths in persons with sickle cell trait undergoing strenuous physical activity may be an underappreciated acute phenomenon in the clinical realm. Herein, we report two cases of sickle cell trait-related exertional deaths of active duty military members, with a review of the literature including the pathophysiology of sickle cell trait-related deaths and current military screening guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, Building 3600, Room 448-2, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
authors.forename: Rhome L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office, 7337 Louis Pasteur Drive, San Antonio, TX 78299.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feig
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D012805:Sickle Cell Trait / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult