Evaluation of sickle cell aggregation by ultrasound backscattering

Abstract

The aggregation state of sickle cells was studied as a function of oxygen partial pressure, with ultrasound backscattering. The ultrasonic backscattering coefficient χ, which depends on the size of the aggregates, is highly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Sickle cells (SS) in their plasma present a χ variation versus pO₂ similar to the variation of the sickling curve. These results suggest that sickling prevent aggregation of sickle cells.