Pathophysiology of vaso-occlusion

Vascular occlusion, the major event that accompanies sickle cell anemia, is a complex process involving many factors. Microvascular occlusion results in acute painful crises, whereas macrovascular occlusion seems to be the cause of organ failure. Understanding the basic pathophysiologic events of vascular occlusion may elucidate the clinical manifestations of sickle cell anemia, its natural history and complications, and may give new insights into the preventative and curative therapy.