splenomegaly

Definition: Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen. The spleen usually lies in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the human abdomen.

Images

 Massive splenomegaly (4.1 kg) in a patient with primitive myelofibrosis (PMF). Classic intrasinusoidal EMH & atypical megakaryocytic proliferation.

• https://twitter.com/JeffreyVosMD/status/880246683006894080

Etiology

Increased function
 removal of defective RBCs
 immune hyperplasia

• response to infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic)
• disordered immunoregulation / dysimmune diseases

 extramedullary hematopoiesis

Abnormal blood flow
 cirrhosis
  vascular anomalies
 hepatic infections

Metabolic diseases
Benign and malignant cellualr infiltrations

See also

 spleen