Splenomegaly
Definition
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size.
Alternative Names
Spleen enlargement; Enlarged spleenConsiderations
The spleen is an organ that is a part of the lymph system. It filters the blood and maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets.
Because of its wide variety of functions, the spleen may be affected by many conditions involving the blood or lymph system, and by infection, malignancies, liver disease, and parasites.
Symptoms of splenomegaly include:
- Inability to eat a large meal
- Pain on the upper left side of the abdomen
- Hiccups
Causes
- Infections
- Infectious mononucleosis (EBV or CMV)
- Other viral infections
- Parasitic infections
- Cat scratch disease
- Bacterial infections
- Diseases involving the liver
- Cirrhosis (portal vein obstruction, portal hypertension)
- Sclerosing cholangitis
- Wilson's disease
- Biliary atresia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hemolytic anemias
- Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Hodgkin's disease
- Other causes
- Sarcoidosis
- Sickle cell splenic crisis
- Felty syndrome
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.