Hypersplenism
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)
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
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- Malaria
Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia.
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Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.
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Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Enlarged spleen
Enlarged spleen
Splenomegaly is a larger-than-normal spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the belly.
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- Feeling full too soon after eating
- Stomach pain on the left side
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.
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.
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