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Hypersplenism

Definition

Hypersplenism is an overactive spleen. The spleen is an organ found in the upper left side of your abdomen. The spleen helps filter old and damaged cells from your bloodstream. If your spleen is overactive, it removes the blood cells too early and too quickly. An overactive spleen is often, but not always, enlarged (splenomegaly).

The spleen plays a key role in helping your body fight infections. Problems with the spleen can make you more likely to develop infections.

Causes

Common causes of hypersplenism include:

• Cirrhosis (advanced liver disease)

• Lymphoma

• Malaria

• Tuberculosis

• Various connective tissue and inflammatory diseases

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Enlarged spleen

• Low level of one or more types of blood cells

• Feeling full too soon after eating

• Stomach pain on the left side

References

Arber DA. Spleen. In: Goldblum JR, Lamps LW, McKenney JK, Myers JL, eds. Rosai and Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 38.

Ollila TA, Zayac AS, Schiffman FJ. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 156.

Review Date: 4/24/2023

Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.