Intermediate
Technical
IVT
vaso-occlusive crisis
Also written as: VOC — vaso-occlusive crisis
Painful episode in sickle cell disease caused by blocked blood vessels due to sickled red blood cells.
Full Definition
A vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is an acute complication of sickle cell disease characterized by severe pain resulting from obstruction of small blood vessels by sickled erythrocytes. These episodes can affect any organ system and are the leading cause of hospitalization in pediatric sickle cell patients. The crisis typically involves bone, chest, abdomen, or joints, and may last from hours to several days requiring aggressive pain management and hydration.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate vaso-occlusive. May be abbreviated as VOC in subsequent references.
In Context
- "The 8-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with a severe vaso-occlusive crisis affecting his lower extremities." — Emergency department note
- "Prevention strategies for vaso-occlusive crisis include adequate hydration and avoidance of known triggers." — Patient education material
Also known as
pain crisis
sickle cell crisis
Don't confuse with
aplastic crisis
sequestration crisis