Spleen, enlarged

Christopher Hobbs:

“Enlarged spleen can be associated with cirrhosis of the liver, infections such as hepatitis, and other causes. Diagnosis and treatment of an enlarged spleen should be left to a physician.”

Etiologic Factors

1. Infections:
   • Viral (e.g., mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus)
   • Bacterial (e.g., syphilis, endocarditis)
   • Parasitic (e.g., malaria, toxoplasmosis)
2. Liver Diseases:
   • Cirrhosis (often due to alcohol use, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease)
3. Blood Disorders:
   • Hemolytic anemia (e.g., sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis)
   • Leukemia and lymphomas
4. Autoimmune Conditions:
   • Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (causing increased immune activity)
5. Congestion:
   • Conditions like portal hypertension, leading to blood pooling in the spleen
6. Storage Disorders:
   • Genetic conditions such as Gaucher’s disease or Niemann-Pick disease

Signs That Require Professional Help

1. Severe or Persistent Symptoms:
   • Pain or fullness in the upper left abdomen, possibly radiating to the left shoulder
   • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
   • Frequent infections or easy bruising/bleeding
2. Red Flags:
   • Fever, night sweats, or swollen lymph nodes
   • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
   • Rapid heart rate or shortness of breath (potentially indicating anemia)
3. Trauma:
   • If there has been recent injury to the left upper abdomen (risk of spleen rupture).