Approach to Splenomegaly

Type

Clinical Features

Anatomy

•  Located below diaphragm adjacent to 9^th-11^th ribs
•  Typically not palpable in most adults

Function of spleen

•  Removes particles from within circulating red blood cells
•  Removes red blood cells, bacteria, and other particles through monocyte-macrophage system

Abnormalities

•  Increased function (hypersplenism)
  •  Can lead to cytopenias
•  Splenectomy
  •  Increased chance of bacterial sepsis (mainly encapsulated organisms)
•  Asplenia or splenectomy
  •  Possible Howell-Jolly bodies (nuclear remnants) or Heinz bodies (globin precipitates)