Question

One complication of sickle cell anemia is auto-splenectomy, due to repeated splenic infarctions; characterized by a brownish, shrunken, fibrotic spleen (brown color due to hemosiderin accumulation). What is the main cause of the brown color in the spleen?

1) Accumulation of red blood cells
2) Accumulation of white blood cells
3) Accumulation of platelets
4) Accumulation of hemosiderin

Answer 1

The brown color of the spleen in sickle cell anemia is mainly due to the accumulation of hemosiderin, a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from excessively hemolyzed red blood cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main cause of the brown color in the spleen of patients with sickle cell anemia undergoing auto-splenectomy is the accumulation of hemosiderin. Hemosiderin is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells (RBCs) which have been destroyed (hemolyzed). In sickle cell anemia, there is excessive hemolysis due to the instability of hemoglobin S, resulting in a shortened lifespan for the red blood cells. This excessive breakdown leads to an accumulation of hemosiderin, giving the spleen its characteristic brown color.