Sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic illness characterized by abnormalities in hemoglobin structure and function in the blood. This raises the risk of blood vessel blockages and disrupted blood flow, both of which can lead to major problems. When the vascular system lacks oxygen, sickle hemoglobin becomes more insoluble, increasing polymer production in the blood, its total viscosity and density affecting blood flow and endothelial vessel wall integrity. Erythrocyte adhesion increases, followed by the formation of heterocellular aggregates, as observed in the apical four-chamber of the aforementioned ultrasound images as spontaneous echocardiographic contrast.

This induces minor artery blockage and hypoxia leading to conditions such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, occlusion of the peripheral retinal vasculature, and priapism among others.