Table 3 Differential diagnosis between vaso-occlusive crisis and other acute emergencies
Site of pain | Differential diagnosis | Exams to consider |
|---|---|---|
Head | Hemorrhagic stroke | MRI, MRA |
Sinusitis | CT | |
Migraine/headache | Lumbar puncture | |
Meningitis | Â | |
Neck/throat | Meningitis | Lumbar puncture |
Torticollis/stiff neck | Throat swab | |
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis | Esophago gastro duodenal endoscopy | |
Esophagitis/gastroesophageal reflux | Â | |
Thorax | Acute chest syndrome/reactive airway disease/asthma | Thorax X-ray |
Osteochondritis | ECG | |
Heart (myocardial infarction) | Esophago gastro duodenal endoscopy | |
Gastroesophageal reflux | Â | |
Abdomen | Acute abdomen: | Abdomen X-ray |
Appendicitis | Abdomen ultrasound | |
Cholecystitis | Amylase/lipase | |
Other | Thorax X-ray | |
Gallbladder stones | Throat swab | |
Pancreatitis | Urine exam and culture | |
Splenic sequestration | ||
Acute chest syndrome | ||
Urinary infection/pyelonephritis | ||
Extremities/joints | Osteomyelitis | X-ray |
Septic arthritis | Ultrasound | |
| Â | Limping without pain | MRI, MRA |