acute chest syndrome
Also written as: ACS — acute chest syndrome
A life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease characterized by chest pain, fever, and new pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging.
Full Definition
Acute chest syndrome is a serious complication of sickle cell disease that presents with fever, chest pain, tachypnea, and new infiltrates on chest radiography. It can be triggered by infection, fat embolism, or pulmonary infarction due to sickling. The condition requires prompt recognition and aggressive treatment including oxygen therapy, antibiotics, bronchodilators, and sometimes exchange transfusion. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients and can progress rapidly to respiratory failure. Editors should ensure this term appears prominently in sickle cell disease emergency protocols and patient education materials.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when used as a proper diagnosis; may be abbreviated as ACS in subsequent references.
In Context
- "The patient developed acute chest syndrome following a vaso-occlusive crisis, requiring immediate hospitalization." — emergency department note
- "Early recognition of acute chest syndrome symptoms can prevent progression to respiratory failure." — clinical practice guideline