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 Anemia s), 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 Cell s being destroyed in the spleen.
Sign s 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.
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
Antibiotic s. 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 Vaccination s.
