Question

Vaso-occlusive infarcts in the pulmonary microcirculation due to sickle cell anemia causes acute chest syndrome. What is the effect of acute chest syndrome on the pulmonary microcirculation?

1) Increased blood flow
2) Decreased blood flow
3) No effect on blood flow
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The effect of acute chest syndrome on the pulmonary microcirculation in the context of sickle cell anemia is decreased blood flow due to blockages caused by sickle-shaped cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vaso-occlusive infarcts in the pulmonary microcirculation caused by sickle cell anemia lead to acute chest syndrome. In sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder, the red blood cells become sickle-shaped and rigid, making it difficult for them to pass through the capillaries. These abnormalities decrease the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen and can cause them to become lodged in the capillaries, leading to vessel narrowing or blockage. This condition will result in decreased blood flow (option 2) in the pulmonary microcirculation. Methods like spirometry can be used to measure lung volumes and help diagnose lung diseases resulting from disorders like sickle cell anemia.