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Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen, which usually lies in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the human abdomen. It is one of the cardinal signs of hypersplenism. Splenomegaly is usually associated with increased workload (such as in hemolytic anemias), which suggests that it is a response to hyperfunction. It is therefore not surprising that splenomegaly is associated with any disease process that involves abnormal red blood cells being destroyed in the spleen.
Signs of splenomegaly may include a palpable left upper quadrant abdominal mass or splenic rub. Patients may also be cytopenic. Patients with splenomegaly may present with abdominal pain, early satiety due to splenic encroachment, and may complain of the symptoms of anemia due to accompanying cytopenia.
Treatment
If the splenomegaly underlies hypersplenism, a splenectomy is indicated and will correct the problem. After splenectomy, however, patients are considered immunocompromised, and so should be placed on lifelong prophylactic oral antibiotics. The risks of splenectomy are greatest in the first two years after the procedure. Patients should also be vaccinated against common viral infections, and should receive annual influenza vaccinations.
Seen in
Infections
Cancer/tumors
Genetic
- Gaucher's disease
- thalassemia
- hurler's disease
- sickle cell anemia
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- spherocytosis
Other
See also
External links
- PatientPlus Splenomegaly and hypersplenism
- (Hypersplenism)
"Splenomegaly"