Powiększenie śledziony (splenomegalia)
Diagnostyka i diagnoza

Splenomegalia definiowana jest jako powiększenie śledziony powyżej 400-500 g lub długości przekraczającej 11-13 cm, a masywna splenomegalia to masa >1000 g lub długość >20 cm. Diagnostyka opiera się na badaniu fizykalnym (palpacja lewego górnego kwadrantu brzucha podczas wydechu), badaniach laboratoryjnych (morfologia krwi z rozmazem, próby wątrobowe, test monospot, badania układu krzepnięcia, cytometria przepływowa, FISH, PCR) oraz obrazowych (USG, TK, MRI). USG umożliwia ocenę wielkości śledziony z dokładnością do 2%, a TK jest złotym standardem przedoperacyjnym, definiującym splenomegalię przy długości >10 cm i lokalizacji poniżej dolnego bieguna nerki. Biopsja szpiku kostnego jest wskazana w diagnostyce hematologicznej, natomiast biopsja śledziony jest rzadko wykonywana ze względu na ryzyko krwawienia. Splenektomia diagnostyczna stosowana jest w 12% przypadków hospitalizowanych pacjentów z powiększeniem śledziony, gdy inne metody diagnostyczne zawiodą.

Diagnostyka powiększenia śledziony (splenomegalia)

Powiększenie śledziony (splenomegalia) to stan, w którym śledziona osiąga rozmiary większe niż prawidłowe. Jest to objaw choroby podstawowej, a nie oddzielna jednostka chorobowa. Prawidłowa śledziona u dorosłego człowieka waży od 70 do 200 g, zaś powiększenie śledziony definiuje się jako wagę w zakresie 400-500 g lub długość przekraczającą 11-13 cm w najdłuższym wymiarze. Masywną splenomegalię rozpoznaje się, gdy śledziona waży powyżej 1000 g lub jej długość przekracza 20 cm123.

Badanie fizykalne

Powiększenie śledziony najczęściej wykrywane jest podczas rutynowego badania fizykalnego. Lekarz może wyczuć powiększoną śledzionę podczas badania palpacyjnego lewego górnego kwadrantu brzucha. Należy jednak pamiętać, że u osób szczupłych również prawidłowa śledziona może być wyczuwalna podczas badania45. Śledziona musi być 2-3 razy większa od normy, aby była wyczuwalna poniżej łuku żebrowego podczas badania fizykalnego6.

Badanie palpacyjne śledziony może być przeprowadzane różnymi metodami, w tym palpacją oburęczną, ballotowaniem oraz badaniem od góry i z tyłu lewej strony pacjenta. Wszystkie te metody mają na celu wykrycie powiększonej śledziony podczas wydechu pacjenta7. Podczas badania palpacyjnego lekarz może również wyczuć charakterystyczne wcięcie śledziony8.

Badanie perkusyjne śledziony może wskazywać na jej powiększenie, jednak samo w sobie nie potwierdza splenomegalii. Przesunięcie z odgłosu bębenkowego do stłumienia może wskazywać na powiększenie śledziony, ale może również wynikać z obecności treści żołądkowej lub jelitowej9.

Badania laboratoryjne

Badania laboratoryjne są niezbędne do potwierdzenia diagnozy powiększenia śledziony oraz określenia jego przyczyny. Do najważniejszych badań laboratoryjnych zalicza się101112:

  • Morfologia krwi z rozmazem – pozwala ocenić liczbę czerwonych i białych krwinek oraz płytek krwi. Obniżenie wartości tych parametrów może wskazywać na hipersplenizm. Rozmaz krwi obwodowej może ujawnić nieprawidłowości morfologiczne komórek, co pomaga w diagnozie chorób hematologicznych1314
  • Próby wątrobowe – podwyższone poziomy enzymów wątrobowych mogą wskazywać na choroby wątroby jako przyczynę powiększenia śledziony15
  • Test na mononukleozę zakaźną (monospot) – w przypadku podejrzenia infekcji wirusem Epsteina-Barr1617
  • Badania układu krzepnięcia – nieprawidłowy profil koagulacyjny z wysokim czasem protrombinowym (PT), międzynarodowym współczynnikiem znormalizowanym (INR) i czasem częściowej tromboplastyny po aktywacji (aPTT) może wskazywać na powiązaną chorobę wątroby, marskość i nadciśnienie wrotne jako etiologię splenomegalii18

W przypadku podejrzenia chorób rozrostowych układu krwiotwórczego, takich jak białaczka czy chłoniak, może być wykonana cytometria przepływowa. Wyniki wskazujące na nowotwór mogą prowadzić do dalszych badań, takich jak fluorescencyjna hybrydyzacja in situ (FISH) lub reakcja łańcuchowa polimerazy (PCR) w kierunku BCR-ABL lub Jak219.

Badania obrazowe

Badania obrazowe są kluczowe dla potwierdzenia powiększenia śledziony, oceny jej wielkości oraz relacji z otaczającymi narządami. Do najczęściej wykonywanych badań obrazowych należą202122:

  • Ultrasonografia (USG) – to nieinwazyjna, bezpieczna i szybka metoda, która pozwala na wykrycie powiększonej śledziony z wysoką czułością i swoistością. Pomiary sonograficzne długości śledziony mogą oszacować jej objętość z dokładnością do 2% w porównaniu z obliczeniami opartymi na tomografii komputerowej2324
  • Tomografia komputerowa (TK) – pozostaje najbardziej użytecznym badaniem przedoperacyjnym do pomiaru objętości śledziony, wykluczenia węzłów chłonnych w okolicy wnęki śledziony oraz wykrycia śledzion dodatkowych, ropni śledziony czy okołośledzionowego zapalenia. Ogólnie śledzionę można uznać za powiększoną, jeśli jej długość w osi czaszkowo-ogonowej przekracza 10 cm na konwencjonalnych skanach TK. Śledziona sięgająca poniżej dolnego bieguna nerki również wskazuje na splenomegalię25
  • Rezonans magnetyczny (MRI) – pozwala na śledzenie przepływu krwi przez śledzionę, co może być przydatne w ocenie funkcji tego narządu2627

W niektórych przypadkach powiększenie śledziony może być wykryte przypadkowo na zdjęciu rentgenowskim klatki piersiowej wykonanym z innych powodów28.

Biopsja szpiku kostnego

W przypadku gdy wstępna ocena nie wskazuje na przyczynę powiększenia śledziony, może być konieczne wykonanie biopsji szpiku kostnego. Jest to szczególnie istotne w diagnostyce chorób hematologicznych, takich jak białaczki, chłoniaki, czy zaburzenia mieloproliferacyjne2930.

Biopsja szpiku kostnego jest procedurą, podczas której pobiera się próbkę szpiku kostnego, najczęściej z kości biodrowej, pod znieczuleniem miejscowym lub ogólnym. Badanie to pozwala na ocenę morfologii i funkcji komórek szpikowych, co może pomóc w diagnozie chorób hematologicznych prowadzących do powiększenia śledziony31.

Diagnostyka różnicowa

Powiększenie śledziony może być objawem wielu różnych chorób i stanów. W Stanach Zjednoczonych najczęstszymi przyczynami splenomegalii są przewlekłe choroby wątroby, nowotwory złośliwe i infekcje32. Splenomegalia jest również powszechna u pacjentów z HIV, zarówno jako odpowiedź na wirusa, jak i z powodu wtórnych infekcji33.

Diagnoza różnicowa powinna uwzględniać następujące grupy chorób34:

  • Choroby hematologiczne (16-66% przypadków splenomegalii) – białaczki, chłoniaki, zaburzenia mieloproliferacyjne, niedokrwistości hemolityczne
  • Choroby wątroby (9-41%) – marskość, wirusowe zapalenie wątroby, nadciśnienie wrotne
  • Choroby zakaźne (9-36%) – mononukleoza zakaźna, malaria, gruźlica, endokardycie bakteryjne
  • Choroby zapalne i zastoinowe (4-10%) – toczeń rumieniowaty układowy, reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, niewydolność serca
  • Pierwotne choroby śledziony (1-6%) – choroby spichrzeniowe, torbiele, pierwotne nowotwory śledziony

Powiększenie śledziony może być klasyfikowane jako łagodne, umiarkowane lub masywne, co może pomóc w diagnozie etiologicznej35. Niektóre przyczyny splenomegalii zazwyczaj są oczywiste ze względu na współistniejącą chorobę (np. zapalenie wsierdzia, malaria, infekcje), jednak etiologiczna diagnoza splenomegalii w warunkach ambulatoryjnych wymaga dokładnego zebrania wywiadu36.

Hipersplenizm

Hipersplenizm to stan, w którym powiększona śledziona nadmiernie sekwestruje i niszczy komórki krwi, prowadząc do cytopenii (zmniejszenia liczby komórek krwi). Diagnoza hipersplenizmu opiera się na obecności splenomegalii, cytopenii oraz zwiększonej aktywności szpiku kostnego3738.

Badanie diagnostyczne hipersplenizmu obejmuje39:

  • Badanie fizykalne do wykrycia powiększonej śledziony
  • Morfologię krwi, która może wykazać obniżenie liczby krwinek czerwonych, białych lub płytek krwi
  • Badania czynności wątroby w celu wykluczenia chorób wątroby jako przyczyny hipersplenizmu
  • Badania obrazowe (TK, USG) do oceny wielkości śledziony
  • Biopsję szpiku kostnego w celu oceny jego aktywności

W niektórych przypadkach może być stosowany test stymulacji epinefryną (EST), który polega na podaniu epinefryny i ocenie zmian w liczbie komórek krwi. Silniejsza odpowiedź płytkowa i neutrofilowa obserwowana jest u pacjentów z powiększoną śledzioną w porównaniu do pacjentów z normalnym rozmiarem śledziony40.

Splenektomia diagnostyczna

W rzadkich przypadkach, gdy przyczyna powiększenia śledziony nie może być ustalona za pomocą standardowych metod diagnostycznych, lekarz może zalecić chirurgiczne usunięcie śledziony (splenektomię) w celach diagnostycznych4142.

Potrzeba ustalenia diagnozy musi być dokładnie rozważona w stosunku do chorobowości związanej ze stanem po usunięciu śledziony i powinna być realizowana dopiero po wyczerpaniu innych środków diagnostycznych43. W amerykańskim badaniu retrospektywnym przeprowadzonym wśród pacjentów hospitalizowanych z powodu splenomegalii, 12% wymagało diagnostycznej splenektomii44.

Po usunięciu śledziona jest badana pod mikroskopem w celu sprawdzenia, czy nie występuje chłoniak śledziony lub inna choroba nowotworowa4546. Bezpośrednia biopsja igłowa śledziony jest rzadko wykonywana ze względu na wysokie ryzyko krwawienia podczas tej procedury4748.

Postępowanie z pacjentem z powiększeniem śledziony

Leczenie powiększenia śledziony koncentruje się na leczeniu choroby podstawowej4950. W wielu przypadkach śledziona powraca do normalnej wielkości po skutecznym leczeniu choroby podstawowej51.

W niektórych przypadkach, gdy powiększenie śledziony powoduje poważne powikłania lub przyczyna nie może być zidentyfikowana lub leczona, chirurgiczne usunięcie śledziony (splenektomia) może być opcją terapeutyczną5253.

U pacjentów bez objawów z niewyjaśnionym powiększeniem śledziony lekarz może zalecić obserwację (watchful waiting) i ponowną ocenę co 6-12 miesięcy lub wcześniej, jeśli pojawią się objawy5455.

Pacjenci z powiększoną śledzioną powinni unikać sportów kontaktowych i podnoszenia ciężarów, aby zmniejszyć ryzyko pęknięcia śledziony, które może być stanem zagrażającym życiu5657.

Monitorowanie powikłań

Najczęstszymi powikłaniami powiększenia śledziony są ostre infekcje, niedokrwistość i pęknięcie śledziony5859. Powiększona śledziona może zmniejszać liczbę zdrowych krwinek czerwonych, płytek krwi i białych krwinek we krwi, co prowadzi do częstszych infekcji, niedokrwistości i zwiększonego krwawienia60.

Pęknięcie śledziony jest najpoważniejszym powikłaniem splenomegalii61. Nawet zdrowe śledziony są miękkie i łatwo ulegają uszkodzeniu, zwłaszcza w wypadkach samochodowych. Możliwość pęknięcia jest znacznie większa, gdy śledziona jest powiększona, co może prowadzić do zagrażającego życiu krwawienia w jamie brzusznej62.

Ze względu na ryzyko powikłań, pacjenci z powiększoną śledzioną powinni być regularnie monitorowani przez lekarza prowadzącego, który ocenia wielkość śledziony, badając okolicę brzuszną podczas każdej wizyty, aby określić, czy nastąpiły jakiekolwiek zmiany w jej wielkości lub objętości63.

Rokowanie

Rokowanie dla pacjentów z powiększeniem śledziony zależy od choroby podstawowej powodującej powiększenie6465. W przypadku łagodnych przyczyn, takich jak niektóre infekcje, rokowanie jest zazwyczaj dobre, a śledziona często powraca do normalnej wielkości po wyleczeniu choroby podstawowej66.

W przypadku poważniejszych przyczyn, takich jak nowotwory złośliwe czy zaawansowane choroby wątroby, rokowanie może być gorsze i zależy od skuteczności leczenia choroby podstawowej67.

Pacjenci po splenektomii mają zwiększone ryzyko infekcji i powinni być szczepieni przeciwko Haemophilus influenzae i Streptococcus pneumoniae. Powinni również otrzymywać coroczne szczepienia przeciwko grypie. W niektórych przypadkach zalecane jest długoterminowe profilaktyczne stosowanie antybiotyków68.

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Splenomegaly – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430907/
    Splenomegaly is defined as the enlargement of the spleen measured by size or weight. […] The normal weight of the adult spleen is 70 g to 200 g, spleen weight of 400 g to 500 g indicates splenomegaly spleen weight greater than 1000 g is definitive of massive splenomegaly. […] Splenomegaly may be diagnosed clinically or radiographically using ultrasound, CT imaging, or MRI. […] A combination of serum testing and imaging studies may definitively diagnose splenomegaly and the underlying cause. […] Imaging may be used to diagnose splenomegaly and elucidate its underlying cause. […] Treatment of splenomegaly is targeted at treating the underlying disease and protecting the patient from complications of splenomegaly itself. […] Patients with splenomegaly from any cause are at increased risk of splenic rupture, and increased attention must be made to protect the patient from abdominal trauma. […] The prognosis for patients with splenomegaly depends on the condition causing the enlargement. […] Splenic rupture is the most feared complication of splenomegaly.
  • #2 Splenomegaly – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splenomegaly
    Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen. […] The standard system for classifying splenomegaly on radiography is: Normal (not splenomegaly): the largest dimension is less than 11 cm; Moderate splenomegaly: the largest dimension is between 11 and 20 cm; Severe splenomegaly: the largest dimension is greater than 20 cm. […] Abdominal CT is the most accurate. The spleen needs to be 23 times larger than normal to be palpable below the costal margin in physical examination. […] If the splenomegaly underlies hypersplenism, a splenectomy is indicated and will correct the hypersplenism. However, the underlying cause of the hypersplenism will most likely remain; consequently, a thorough diagnostic workup is still indicated, as, leukemia, lymphoma and other serious disorders can cause hypersplenism and splenomegaly.
  • #3 Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen): Causes, symptoms, and treatments
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/enlarged-spleen
    The spleen acts as part of the immune system by filtering blood. Splenomegaly occurs when the spleen grows larger or becomes heavier. Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) (4.7 to 7.9 inches [in]) in length and weighs more than 400 grams (g) (0.88 pounds [lb]). […] Massive splenomegaly occurs when the spleen is larger than 20 cm (7.9 in) or weighs more than 1,000 g (2.2 lb). […] To diagnose splenomegaly, a doctor will start by having the person describe their symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination to see whether or not they can feel an enlarged spleen. […] A doctor who suspects splenomegaly will likely order laboratory and imaging tests. Some examples of these tests include: A complete blood count: This includes measurements of white and red blood cells and platelets. Having low counts of these three measurements may indicate splenomegaly. […] Imaging studies: Typically, these will include CT scans and ultrasounds. […] Liver function tests: Having high levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT may suggest splenomegaly. […] The tests a doctor orders may depend on the potential underlying cause.
  • #4 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #5 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | Health Library | Memorial Health System
    https://www.mhsystem.org/health-library/con-20198836/
    Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions including infections, liver disease and some cancers can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] An enlarged spleen usually doesnt cause symptoms. Its often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually cant feel the spleen in an adult unless its enlarged. Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function; Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether its crowding other organs; MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen.
  • #6 Splenomegaly – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splenomegaly
    Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen. […] The standard system for classifying splenomegaly on radiography is: Normal (not splenomegaly): the largest dimension is less than 11 cm; Moderate splenomegaly: the largest dimension is between 11 and 20 cm; Severe splenomegaly: the largest dimension is greater than 20 cm. […] Abdominal CT is the most accurate. The spleen needs to be 23 times larger than normal to be palpable below the costal margin in physical examination. […] If the splenomegaly underlies hypersplenism, a splenectomy is indicated and will correct the hypersplenism. However, the underlying cause of the hypersplenism will most likely remain; consequently, a thorough diagnostic workup is still indicated, as, leukemia, lymphoma and other serious disorders can cause hypersplenism and splenomegaly.
  • #7 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-is-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Diagnosed.aspx
    The normal spleen is usually not palpable but is tucked beneath and above the left costal margin, between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm, with its long axis parallel to and running along the course of the tenth rib. When it enlarges, its lower border moves downwards and medially towards the middle of the anterior margin of the left ribcage. […] A medical history, including exposure to various infections which may cause splenomegaly, and eliciting symptoms such as night sweats or fever, is vital, followed by a meticulous physical examination. […] Various methods of palpation have been described, bimanual palpation, ballottement, and examination from above and behind the patients left side. These are all aimed at detecting the excursion of the enlarged spleen below the left lower margin of the ribcage during expiration.
  • #8 Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/splenomegaly-and-hypersplenism
    Splenomegaly is a rare condition. An incidence of 2% has been reported in the USA. One study reported that 0.3% of all hospital admissions were found to have splenomegaly. Haematological diseases were the underlying causal diagnosis in 39%; hepatic diseases in 18%, infectious disease in 10% and other diseases in 8%. […] When considering whether an LUQ mass is an enlarged spleen, features of an enlarged spleen include that: It moves with respiration. It enlarges towards the right iliac fossa (RIF) – always start palpation in the RIF and move across towards the right upper quadrant (or a massive splenomegaly may be missed). You cannot palpate above it – the upper margin lies under the ribs. You may feel a notch. It is dull to percussion. […] This is a pancytopenia occurring in patients with an enlarged spleen. It is due to large numbers of cells being pooled and destroyed in the spleen’s reticulo-endothelial system, and haemodilution because of an increased plasma volume. Bone marrow biopsy shows normal or hyperplastic marrow. Splenic sequestration crisis may develop in young children with sickle cell anaemia, which can precipitate hypovolaemic shock and death, and is an indication for splenectomy.
  • #9 Spleen Exam | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine
    https://stanfordmedicine25.stanford.edu/the25/spleen.html
    The spleen is enlarged in a number of important clinical diagnoses. Palpation and percussion of the spleen are important techniques for identifying an enlarged spleen. […] The purpose of both palpation and percussion of the spleen is to look for splenic enlargement. Evaluation of splenomegaly is notoriously difficult and embarrassingly easy to miss when present. […] NOTE: Percussion may indicate but does NOT confirm splenomegaly. […] Dullness may indicate splenomegaly, solid gastric content, or colon content. […] Shift from tympanic to dullness: Splenic Percussion Sign positive: splenomegaly more likely.
  • #10 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #11 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] In the United States, the most common etiologies of splenomegaly are chronic liver disease, malignancies, and infections. […] Splenomegaly is common in patients with HIV, as a response to the virus or because of secondary infections. […] Initial testing should include an Epstein-Barr virus monospot test; a positive finding with limited illness may not require additional testing. […] A complete metabolic panel and complete blood count provide an initial evaluation for hepatic and hematologic etiologies of splenomegaly.
  • #12 Splenomegaly Workup: Approach Considerations, Findings in Hypersplenism, Splenectomy and Splenic Biopsy
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-workup
    Initial evaluation of the patient with splenomegaly should include the following: Complete blood cell count (CBC) with differential […] Those studies can help identify various causes of splenomegaly, such as sickle cell disease, spherocytosis, and other hereditary hemolytic anemias. If the differential count reveals a lymphocyte predominance, flow cytometry should be performed. Results consistent with neoplasm may prompt fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for BCR-ABL or Jak 2. Depending on the apparent etiology, bone marrow biopsy may be needed. […] Clinically detected splenomegaly is confirmed and quantified using imaging studies. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive, and specific imaging technique for the evaluation of splenic size.
  • #13 Splenomegaly Workup: Approach Considerations, Findings in Hypersplenism, Splenectomy and Splenic Biopsy
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-workup
    Initial evaluation of the patient with splenomegaly should include the following: Complete blood cell count (CBC) with differential […] Those studies can help identify various causes of splenomegaly, such as sickle cell disease, spherocytosis, and other hereditary hemolytic anemias. If the differential count reveals a lymphocyte predominance, flow cytometry should be performed. Results consistent with neoplasm may prompt fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for BCR-ABL or Jak 2. Depending on the apparent etiology, bone marrow biopsy may be needed. […] Clinically detected splenomegaly is confirmed and quantified using imaging studies. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive, and specific imaging technique for the evaluation of splenic size.
  • #14 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-is-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Diagnosed.aspx
    Ultrasound scanning is reliable, safe, quick and non-invasive, allowing an abnormal spleen to be detected with a high coefficient of sensitivity and specificity. […] Once the diagnosis of splenomegaly is established, further investigations are needed to identify the etiology. These include several types of blood tests. […] A complete blood count with a peripheral smear will show the number of each kind of blood cell, along with any abnormalities of form. This may be a clue to the presence of red cell or white cell disorders. […] In cases where the cause of the enlargement is not identified, and the patient is asymptomatic, it may be prudent to recall the patient for re-evaluation every six months or so.
  • #15 Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen): Causes, symptoms, and treatments
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/enlarged-spleen
    The spleen acts as part of the immune system by filtering blood. Splenomegaly occurs when the spleen grows larger or becomes heavier. Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) (4.7 to 7.9 inches [in]) in length and weighs more than 400 grams (g) (0.88 pounds [lb]). […] Massive splenomegaly occurs when the spleen is larger than 20 cm (7.9 in) or weighs more than 1,000 g (2.2 lb). […] To diagnose splenomegaly, a doctor will start by having the person describe their symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination to see whether or not they can feel an enlarged spleen. […] A doctor who suspects splenomegaly will likely order laboratory and imaging tests. Some examples of these tests include: A complete blood count: This includes measurements of white and red blood cells and platelets. Having low counts of these three measurements may indicate splenomegaly. […] Imaging studies: Typically, these will include CT scans and ultrasounds. […] Liver function tests: Having high levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT may suggest splenomegaly. […] The tests a doctor orders may depend on the potential underlying cause.
  • #16 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] In the United States, the most common etiologies of splenomegaly are chronic liver disease, malignancies, and infections. […] Splenomegaly is common in patients with HIV, as a response to the virus or because of secondary infections. […] Initial testing should include an Epstein-Barr virus monospot test; a positive finding with limited illness may not require additional testing. […] A complete metabolic panel and complete blood count provide an initial evaluation for hepatic and hematologic etiologies of splenomegaly.
  • #17 Causes of an Enlarged Spleen: Mononucleosis and Beyond – Ezra
    https://ezra.com/blog/can-you-get-an-enlarged-spleen-from-mono
    An MRI can detect splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) by assessing the blood flow through the spleen. […] One may diagnose an enlarged spleen during a physical exam, in which your medical practitioner uses palpation and percussion to find your spleen. They may feel the spleen swelling through your skin. […] To confirm your diagnosis, your clinician will likely order a complete blood count to determine your red and white blood cells and platelet levels. […] They might also order an ultrasound or a CT scan to confirm your spleens size and if its crowding other organs. […] Your doctor could also ask for a spleen MRI to trace the blood flow through your spleen. […] A monospot is a rapid test for EBV infectious mononucleosis. The test checks if you have an Epstein-Barr viral infection, which is the cause of your mononucleosis. […] In cases of an enlarged spleen caused by mono, the spleen may need additional time to heal after your mono symptoms have cleared. […] Detecting enlarged spleens is easy, even though they are asymptomatic. They should show up during routine full-body screenings and healthcare checkups.
  • #18 Splenomegaly Differential Diagnoses
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-differential
    Traditionally, splenomegaly was classified as mild, moderate, or massive. This distinction can help with etiologic diagnosis. […] While certain causes of splenomegaly are usually obvious due to the concurrent illness (eg, endocarditis, malaria, infections), etiologic diagnosis of splenomegaly in the outpatient setting involves extensive history taking, with inquiries about the range of possible causes, including any history of liver disease, hereditary anemias, or infiltrative disorders. The presence of B symptoms and constitutional symptoms may indicate a primary bone marrow malignancy or myeloproliferative disorders. […] An abnormal coagulation profile with a high prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) usually indicates an associated liver disorder, with cirrhosis and portal hypertension as the etiology of splenomegaly. It may also indicate an underlying acute bone marrow malignancy or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). […] Splenomegaly with fevers may indicate one of the following: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, acute bacterial or fungal infection, acute leukemia or lymphoma.
  • #19 Splenomegaly Workup: Approach Considerations, Findings in Hypersplenism, Splenectomy and Splenic Biopsy
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-workup
    Initial evaluation of the patient with splenomegaly should include the following: Complete blood cell count (CBC) with differential […] Those studies can help identify various causes of splenomegaly, such as sickle cell disease, spherocytosis, and other hereditary hemolytic anemias. If the differential count reveals a lymphocyte predominance, flow cytometry should be performed. Results consistent with neoplasm may prompt fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for BCR-ABL or Jak 2. Depending on the apparent etiology, bone marrow biopsy may be needed. […] Clinically detected splenomegaly is confirmed and quantified using imaging studies. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive, and specific imaging technique for the evaluation of splenic size.
  • #20 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #21 Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17829-enlarged-spleen
    An enlarged spleen is also called splenomegaly. Its a symptom of an underlying disease. Your healthcare provider will treat it by treating the underlying cause. […] An enlarged spleen is a symptom of many different conditions, some more serious than others. Your healthcare provider will need to investigate the underlying cause to determine if you need treatment. […] You might come to your healthcare provider with symptoms of vague abdominal discomfort, or you might have symptoms related to your underlying condition. […] You may have various medical tests to confirm an enlarged spleen and help isolate the cause, including: Imaging tests. An abdominal ultrasound or CT scan can help confirm an enlarged spleen and may give additional information, such as how severe it is, whether it has a lesion or whether it is encroaching on any other organs.
  • #22 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/enlarged-spleen-splenomegaly?content_id=CON-20198836
    An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs. […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement.
  • #23 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Sonographic measurements of the spleen length can estimate spleen volume within 2% of calculations based on computed tomography. […] When initial evaluation does not point to the cause of splenomegaly, specialty referral is warranted to evaluate for malignancies and other hematologic disorders. […] Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. […] Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly.
  • #24 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-is-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Diagnosed.aspx
    Ultrasound scanning is reliable, safe, quick and non-invasive, allowing an abnormal spleen to be detected with a high coefficient of sensitivity and specificity. […] Once the diagnosis of splenomegaly is established, further investigations are needed to identify the etiology. These include several types of blood tests. […] A complete blood count with a peripheral smear will show the number of each kind of blood cell, along with any abnormalities of form. This may be a clue to the presence of red cell or white cell disorders. […] In cases where the cause of the enlargement is not identified, and the patient is asymptomatic, it may be prudent to recall the patient for re-evaluation every six months or so.
  • #25 Splenomegaly Workup: Approach Considerations, Findings in Hypersplenism, Splenectomy and Splenic Biopsy
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-workup
    On imaging studies, the upper limit of normal splenic size is frequently defined as a craniocaudal measurement of 11-13 cm. […] A CT scan remains the most useful preoperative investigation to measure splenic volume; to exclude lymph nodes at the splenic hilum; and to detect accessory spleens, splenic abscesses, and perisplenitis. […] In general, the spleen can be considered enlarged if its craniocaudal length is more than 10 cm on conventional CT scans. A spleen that extends below the lower third pole of the kidney is also indicative of splenomegaly. […] Splenectomy may be considered in certain individuals to determine the etiology of splenomegaly, though early diagnostic splenectomy is rarely indicated. […] The need for a diagnosis must be carefully weighed against the morbidity associated with the asplenic state and should be pursued only after other means of diagnosis have been exhausted.
  • #26 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #27 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/enlarged-spleen-splenomegaly?content_id=CON-20198836
    An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs. […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement.
  • #28 Evaluation of splenomegaly – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice US
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/895
    Splenomegaly generally denotes a palpably enlarged spleen. However, it may also refer to an enlarged spleen detected by an imaging test. It is not uncommon for a radiologist interpreting a chest x-ray to comment that the spleen seems enlarged (usually considered an incidental finding). Splenomegaly can be found in 3% of the general population. […] It may be difficult to palpate an enlarged spleen in the settings of obesity, a muscular abdominal wall, or the inability to sufficiently relax the abdominal musculature. In these cases, spleen size may need to be determined by imaging. […] It is difficult to create a stepwise algorithmic approach to the patient with splenomegaly. Urgent presentations include sudden pain associated with splenomegaly, splenic sequestration crisis of sickle cell anemia, and splenic vein or portal vein thrombosis. Otherwise, presentation is often incidental on physical exam or imaging.
  • #29 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #30 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/enlarged-spleen-splenomegaly?content_id=CON-20198836
    An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs. […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement.
  • #31 Pediatric Splenomegaly Treatment in Turkey – Bimaristan
    https://bi-maristan.com/en/general-surgery/endocrine/pediatric-splenomegaly/
    Abdominal CT: It can accurately determine the size of the spleen and its relationship with adjacent organs. […] MRI: It can track the movement and flow of blood through the organ being examined. […] To determine the underlying cause of splenomegaly, a solid bone marrow biopsy or a fluid sample may be taken, or both, where both samples are taken from the hip bone under local or general anesthesia. […] Taking a biopsy of the spleen with a needle has become rare due to the high risk of bleeding during this procedure. In some cases, if the cause of splenomegaly cannot be determined, the doctor may recommend removing the spleen as a diagnostic procedure to determine the true cause of enlargement.
  • #32 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] In the United States, the most common etiologies of splenomegaly are chronic liver disease, malignancies, and infections. […] Splenomegaly is common in patients with HIV, as a response to the virus or because of secondary infections. […] Initial testing should include an Epstein-Barr virus monospot test; a positive finding with limited illness may not require additional testing. […] A complete metabolic panel and complete blood count provide an initial evaluation for hepatic and hematologic etiologies of splenomegaly.
  • #33 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] In the United States, the most common etiologies of splenomegaly are chronic liver disease, malignancies, and infections. […] Splenomegaly is common in patients with HIV, as a response to the virus or because of secondary infections. […] Initial testing should include an Epstein-Barr virus monospot test; a positive finding with limited illness may not require additional testing. […] A complete metabolic panel and complete blood count provide an initial evaluation for hepatic and hematologic etiologies of splenomegaly.
  • #34 Assessment and investigation of splenomegaly – Primary Care Notebook
    https://primarycarenotebook.com/pages/haematology/assessment-and-investigation-of-splenomegaly
    Assessment of the patient with splenomegaly […] clinical finding of a palpable spleen was previously considered to be evidence of splenic enlargement […] while clinical examination can be convincing in massive splenic enlargement, radiology is often needed to confirm the diagnosis […] the frequency and causes of splenomegaly has been studied retrospectively in US hospital inpatients […] estimated incidence from 1963 to 1995 was 0.3% of admissions and a diagnosis was reached in 98%, but 12% required a diagnostic splenectomy […] of all patients with splenomegaly, haematological disease was found in 16-66%, hepatic disease in 9-41%, infectious disease in 9-36%, congestive or inflammatory disease in 4-10% and primary splenic disease (e.g. storage disease) in 1-6%.
  • #35 Splenomegaly Differential Diagnoses
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-differential
    Traditionally, splenomegaly was classified as mild, moderate, or massive. This distinction can help with etiologic diagnosis. […] While certain causes of splenomegaly are usually obvious due to the concurrent illness (eg, endocarditis, malaria, infections), etiologic diagnosis of splenomegaly in the outpatient setting involves extensive history taking, with inquiries about the range of possible causes, including any history of liver disease, hereditary anemias, or infiltrative disorders. The presence of B symptoms and constitutional symptoms may indicate a primary bone marrow malignancy or myeloproliferative disorders. […] An abnormal coagulation profile with a high prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) usually indicates an associated liver disorder, with cirrhosis and portal hypertension as the etiology of splenomegaly. It may also indicate an underlying acute bone marrow malignancy or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). […] Splenomegaly with fevers may indicate one of the following: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, acute bacterial or fungal infection, acute leukemia or lymphoma.
  • #36 Splenomegaly Differential Diagnoses
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-differential
    Traditionally, splenomegaly was classified as mild, moderate, or massive. This distinction can help with etiologic diagnosis. […] While certain causes of splenomegaly are usually obvious due to the concurrent illness (eg, endocarditis, malaria, infections), etiologic diagnosis of splenomegaly in the outpatient setting involves extensive history taking, with inquiries about the range of possible causes, including any history of liver disease, hereditary anemias, or infiltrative disorders. The presence of B symptoms and constitutional symptoms may indicate a primary bone marrow malignancy or myeloproliferative disorders. […] An abnormal coagulation profile with a high prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) usually indicates an associated liver disorder, with cirrhosis and portal hypertension as the etiology of splenomegaly. It may also indicate an underlying acute bone marrow malignancy or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). […] Splenomegaly with fevers may indicate one of the following: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, acute bacterial or fungal infection, acute leukemia or lymphoma.
  • #37 Hypersplenism: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24339-hypersplenism
    Hypersplenism occurs when your spleen becomes abnormally enlarged (splenomegaly). […] A healthcare provider will look for evidence of splenomegaly and measure your blood cell levels. […] They may also take an ultrasound to confirm it. […] Hypersplenism is usually a side effect and an indicator of another, more important condition. […] Treatment for hypersplenism itself will depend on how severe it is. […] Hypersplenism is treatable, but your prognosis will depend on your underlying condition. […] Hypersplenism is a side effect of splenomegaly. […] Treating hypersplenism usually means treating the underlying condition.
  • #38 Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/splenomegaly-and-hypersplenism
    Splenomegaly is a rare condition. An incidence of 2% has been reported in the USA. One study reported that 0.3% of all hospital admissions were found to have splenomegaly. Haematological diseases were the underlying causal diagnosis in 39%; hepatic diseases in 18%, infectious disease in 10% and other diseases in 8%. […] When considering whether an LUQ mass is an enlarged spleen, features of an enlarged spleen include that: It moves with respiration. It enlarges towards the right iliac fossa (RIF) – always start palpation in the RIF and move across towards the right upper quadrant (or a massive splenomegaly may be missed). You cannot palpate above it – the upper margin lies under the ribs. You may feel a notch. It is dull to percussion. […] This is a pancytopenia occurring in patients with an enlarged spleen. It is due to large numbers of cells being pooled and destroyed in the spleen’s reticulo-endothelial system, and haemodilution because of an increased plasma volume. Bone marrow biopsy shows normal or hyperplastic marrow. Splenic sequestration crisis may develop in young children with sickle cell anaemia, which can precipitate hypovolaemic shock and death, and is an indication for splenectomy.
  • #39 Hypersplenism | Wagdy W. Kades, M.D., Inc.
    https://www.kadesmd.com/hypersplenism.php
    The physician may diagnosis splenomegaly upon physical examination, since the enlarged spleen is often easily palpated. This enlargement may cause the doctor to suspect hypersplenism. […] A patient history of infectious or inflammatory disease may also provide a clue to hypersplenism. The first diagnostic test performed is a complete blood count (CBC), since a low level of red or white blood cells, or of platelets, may indicate the presence of this condition. Other diagnostic tests may be conducted, including a liver function test, a CT scan, an ultrasound scan or a bone marrow biopsy.
  • #40 Diagnosis of hypersplenism with the epinephrine stimulation test
    https://smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/download/1632/2147?inline=1
    We compared relative changes in cell counts in both patient groups during EST and noted a significantly stronger platelet and neutrophil response for splenomegaly patients compared to patients with a normal spleen size. […] Compared to other diagnosis groups, EST was most frequently positive in patients with liver disease. […] We independently confirmed cutoff values and validity of EST using data of patients who underwent splenectomy. Splenectomy can correct cytopenia due to hypersplenism. […] Our study has several strengths but also important limitations. […] In conclusion, for the management of a patient with splenomegaly the lack of an established test directly measuring splenic sequestration is a major clinical limitation.
  • #41 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #42 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/enlarged-spleen-splenomegaly?content_id=CON-20198836
    An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs. […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement.
  • #43 Splenomegaly Workup: Approach Considerations, Findings in Hypersplenism, Splenectomy and Splenic Biopsy
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/206208-workup
    On imaging studies, the upper limit of normal splenic size is frequently defined as a craniocaudal measurement of 11-13 cm. […] A CT scan remains the most useful preoperative investigation to measure splenic volume; to exclude lymph nodes at the splenic hilum; and to detect accessory spleens, splenic abscesses, and perisplenitis. […] In general, the spleen can be considered enlarged if its craniocaudal length is more than 10 cm on conventional CT scans. A spleen that extends below the lower third pole of the kidney is also indicative of splenomegaly. […] Splenectomy may be considered in certain individuals to determine the etiology of splenomegaly, though early diagnostic splenectomy is rarely indicated. […] The need for a diagnosis must be carefully weighed against the morbidity associated with the asplenic state and should be pursued only after other means of diagnosis have been exhausted.
  • #44 Assessment and investigation of splenomegaly – Primary Care Notebook
    https://primarycarenotebook.com/pages/haematology/assessment-and-investigation-of-splenomegaly
    Assessment of the patient with splenomegaly […] clinical finding of a palpable spleen was previously considered to be evidence of splenic enlargement […] while clinical examination can be convincing in massive splenic enlargement, radiology is often needed to confirm the diagnosis […] the frequency and causes of splenomegaly has been studied retrospectively in US hospital inpatients […] estimated incidence from 1963 to 1995 was 0.3% of admissions and a diagnosis was reached in 98%, but 12% required a diagnostic splenectomy […] of all patients with splenomegaly, haematological disease was found in 16-66%, hepatic disease in 9-41%, infectious disease in 9-36%, congestive or inflammatory disease in 4-10% and primary splenic disease (e.g. storage disease) in 1-6%.
  • #45 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #46 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | Health Library | Memorial Health System
    https://www.mhsystem.org/health-library/con-20198836/
    Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when theres no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen.
  • #47 Enlarged Spleen – Blood Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/blood-disorders/spleen-disorders/enlarged-spleen
    Doctors cannot easily remove a sample of the spleen for examination because inserting a needle or cutting spleen tissue may cause uncontrollable bleeding. […] When possible, doctors treat the underlying disorder that caused the enlarged spleen. […] The spleen may need to be surgically removed if hypersplenism causes severe problems. […] Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) should be avoided whenever possible because it can cause problems, including an increased susceptibility to infections by certain bacteria.
  • #48 Pediatric Splenomegaly Treatment in Turkey – Bimaristan
    https://bi-maristan.com/en/general-surgery/endocrine/pediatric-splenomegaly/
    Abdominal CT: It can accurately determine the size of the spleen and its relationship with adjacent organs. […] MRI: It can track the movement and flow of blood through the organ being examined. […] To determine the underlying cause of splenomegaly, a solid bone marrow biopsy or a fluid sample may be taken, or both, where both samples are taken from the hip bone under local or general anesthesia. […] Taking a biopsy of the spleen with a needle has become rare due to the high risk of bleeding during this procedure. In some cases, if the cause of splenomegaly cannot be determined, the doctor may recommend removing the spleen as a diagnostic procedure to determine the true cause of enlargement.
  • #49 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Sonographic measurements of the spleen length can estimate spleen volume within 2% of calculations based on computed tomography. […] When initial evaluation does not point to the cause of splenomegaly, specialty referral is warranted to evaluate for malignancies and other hematologic disorders. […] Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. […] Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly.
  • #50 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34523897/
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. […] Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly, and people with splenomegaly should refrain from participating in contact sports to decrease risk of rupture.
  • #51 Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17829-enlarged-spleen
    In many cases, the spleen will return to normal size as the underlying condition improves. […] An enlarged spleen is more vulnerable to rupture. […] An enlarged spleen is a symptom that healthcare providers need to investigate. Whether or not its causing you discomfort, it indicates an underlying condition that may need treatment.
  • #52 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354331
    An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. […] Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: […] Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function […] Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs […] MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen. […] Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. […] Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there’s no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery.
  • #53 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | UM Health-Sparrow
    https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/enlarged-spleen-splenomegaly
    Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the what’s causing it. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. […] Your doctor might suggest watchful waiting. You see your doctor for reevaluation in 6 to 12 months or sooner if you develop symptoms.
  • #54 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) | UM Health-Sparrow
    https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/enlarged-spleen-splenomegaly
    Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the what’s causing it. […] If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. […] Your doctor might suggest watchful waiting. You see your doctor for reevaluation in 6 to 12 months or sooner if you develop symptoms.
  • #55 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-is-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Diagnosed.aspx
    Ultrasound scanning is reliable, safe, quick and non-invasive, allowing an abnormal spleen to be detected with a high coefficient of sensitivity and specificity. […] Once the diagnosis of splenomegaly is established, further investigations are needed to identify the etiology. These include several types of blood tests. […] A complete blood count with a peripheral smear will show the number of each kind of blood cell, along with any abnormalities of form. This may be a clue to the presence of red cell or white cell disorders. […] In cases where the cause of the enlargement is not identified, and the patient is asymptomatic, it may be prudent to recall the patient for re-evaluation every six months or so.
  • #56 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34523897/
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. […] Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly, and people with splenomegaly should refrain from participating in contact sports to decrease risk of rupture.
  • #57 Splenomegaly – Hematology and Oncology – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/spleen-disorders/splenomegaly
    Splenomegaly is abnormal enlargement of the spleen. […] Splenomegaly is almost always secondary to other disorders. […] If splenomegaly is massive (spleen palpable 8 cm below the costal margin), the cause is usually […] Splenomegaly can lead to cytopenias, a disorder called hypersplenism. […] If confirmation of splenomegaly is necessary because the examination is equivocal, ultrasound is the test of choice because of its accuracy. […] Specific causes suggested clinically should be confirmed by appropriate testing. […] When testing for etiology of splenomegaly and no cause is immediately apparent, infectious causes are important to exclude. […] Asymptomatic patients with an enlarged spleen do not require treatment but should avoid contact sports and weight-lifting to decrease the risk of splenic rupture.
  • #58 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p271.html
    Sonographic measurements of the spleen length can estimate spleen volume within 2% of calculations based on computed tomography. […] When initial evaluation does not point to the cause of splenomegaly, specialty referral is warranted to evaluate for malignancies and other hematologic disorders. […] Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. […] Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly.
  • #59 Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34523897/
    Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. […] Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. […] Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. […] Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. […] Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly, and people with splenomegaly should refrain from participating in contact sports to decrease risk of rupture.
  • #60 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/symptoms-causes/syc-20354326
    Enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what’s causing it. […] A number of infections and diseases can cause an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen affects each of these jobs. When it’s enlarged, your spleen may not function as usual. […] Potential complications of an enlarged spleen are: Infection. An enlarged spleen can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, platelets and white cells in your bloodstream, leading to more frequent infections. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible. […] Even healthy spleens are soft and easily damaged, especially in car crashes. The possibility of rupture is much greater when your spleen is enlarged. A ruptured spleen can cause life-threatening bleeding in your belly.
  • #61 Splenomegaly – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430907/
    Splenomegaly is defined as the enlargement of the spleen measured by size or weight. […] The normal weight of the adult spleen is 70 g to 200 g, spleen weight of 400 g to 500 g indicates splenomegaly spleen weight greater than 1000 g is definitive of massive splenomegaly. […] Splenomegaly may be diagnosed clinically or radiographically using ultrasound, CT imaging, or MRI. […] A combination of serum testing and imaging studies may definitively diagnose splenomegaly and the underlying cause. […] Imaging may be used to diagnose splenomegaly and elucidate its underlying cause. […] Treatment of splenomegaly is targeted at treating the underlying disease and protecting the patient from complications of splenomegaly itself. […] Patients with splenomegaly from any cause are at increased risk of splenic rupture, and increased attention must be made to protect the patient from abdominal trauma. […] The prognosis for patients with splenomegaly depends on the condition causing the enlargement. […] Splenic rupture is the most feared complication of splenomegaly.
  • #62 Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/symptoms-causes/syc-20354326
    Enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). […] Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. […] Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what’s causing it. […] A number of infections and diseases can cause an enlarged spleen. […] An enlarged spleen affects each of these jobs. When it’s enlarged, your spleen may not function as usual. […] Potential complications of an enlarged spleen are: Infection. An enlarged spleen can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, platelets and white cells in your bloodstream, leading to more frequent infections. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible. […] Even healthy spleens are soft and easily damaged, especially in car crashes. The possibility of rupture is much greater when your spleen is enlarged. A ruptured spleen can cause life-threatening bleeding in your belly.
  • #63 What is Splenomegaly? Every Patient With an MPN Should Know
    https://www.voicesofmpn.com/mpn-blog/mpn-patient-splenomegaly
    If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with one of the rare, chronic blood cancers known as myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs, you know how important it is to do your research and learn as much as you can. […] An enlargement of the spleen is known as splenomegaly (splee-nuh-MEG-uh-lee) and its a common finding among patients with MPNs. […] In one clinical study, approximately 90% of people with MF had an enlarged spleen at diagnosis. […] Because splenomegaly is a common finding among patients with MPNs, checking your spleen size should be a routine part of your MPN check-ups. […] In fact, your Healthcare Professional should be regularly evaluating your spleen by feeling or palpating your abdominal area at each visit to determine if there have been any changes in size or volume.
  • #64 Splenomegaly – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430907/
    Splenomegaly is defined as the enlargement of the spleen measured by size or weight. […] The normal weight of the adult spleen is 70 g to 200 g, spleen weight of 400 g to 500 g indicates splenomegaly spleen weight greater than 1000 g is definitive of massive splenomegaly. […] Splenomegaly may be diagnosed clinically or radiographically using ultrasound, CT imaging, or MRI. […] A combination of serum testing and imaging studies may definitively diagnose splenomegaly and the underlying cause. […] Imaging may be used to diagnose splenomegaly and elucidate its underlying cause. […] Treatment of splenomegaly is targeted at treating the underlying disease and protecting the patient from complications of splenomegaly itself. […] Patients with splenomegaly from any cause are at increased risk of splenic rupture, and increased attention must be made to protect the patient from abdominal trauma. […] The prognosis for patients with splenomegaly depends on the condition causing the enlargement. […] Splenic rupture is the most feared complication of splenomegaly.
  • #65 Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://www.medicinenet.com/enlarged_spleen/article.htm
    What tests diagnose an enlarged spleen? An enlarged spleen is most often found on physical examination. Either the health care practitioner is looking for an enlarged spleen because of a diagnosis that has already been made, or it is found incidentally when initially examining a patient (and it then serves as a clue to an underlying diagnosis). […] On occasion, an enlarged spleen may be diagnosed by plain X-ray, ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). […] What is the treatment for an enlarged spleen? Because splenomegaly is due to an underlying illness, treatment will depend upon the primary cause. In some situations, removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be part of the treatment. […] What is the prognosis for an enlarged spleen? Often, the prognosis for an enlarged spleen depends entirely upon the underlying illness.
  • #66 What Causes an Enlarged Spleen? Swollen Spleen Problems
    https://www.emedicinehealth.com/enlarged_spleen_splenomegaly/article_em.htm
    The spleen can enlarge by performing its normal functions in response to another medical condition. […] A spleen weighing up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or between 11 to 20 cm (4.3 to 8 inches) in its longest dimension is considered enlarged. Splenomegaly greater than 1000 gm (2 lb 3.3 oz) or longer than 20 cm (8 inches) is considered severe or massive. […] The treatment of splenomegaly essentially depends on its cause. […] In many conditions, the spleen enlarges as a result of performing its normal physiologic function in response to another medical condition, for example, cirrhosis. […] Occasionally, recommended treatment is the surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) in order to control the causative conditions. […] Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved.
  • #67 Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://www.medicinenet.com/enlarged_spleen/article.htm
    What tests diagnose an enlarged spleen? An enlarged spleen is most often found on physical examination. Either the health care practitioner is looking for an enlarged spleen because of a diagnosis that has already been made, or it is found incidentally when initially examining a patient (and it then serves as a clue to an underlying diagnosis). […] On occasion, an enlarged spleen may be diagnosed by plain X-ray, ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). […] What is the treatment for an enlarged spleen? Because splenomegaly is due to an underlying illness, treatment will depend upon the primary cause. In some situations, removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be part of the treatment. […] What is the prognosis for an enlarged spleen? Often, the prognosis for an enlarged spleen depends entirely upon the underlying illness.
  • #68 Splenomegaly – wikidoc
    https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Splenomegaly
    If the splenomegaly underlies hypersplenism, a splenectomy is indicated and it will correct the problem. After splenectomy, patients have an increased risk for infectious diseases. After splenectomy, patients should be vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. They should receive annual influenza vaccination. Long-term prophylactic antibiotic should be given.