A vaso-occlusive crisis or sickle cell crisis is a common painful complication of sickle cell anemia in adolescents and adults. It occurs when the circulation of blood vessels is obstructed by sickled red blood cells, causing ischemic injuries. The most common complaint is of pain, and recurrent episodes may cause irreversible organ damage. Related symptoms are dactylitis, priapism, abdominal pain, and jaundice.