Skip to main content

Hypersplenism

Nana Amma N. Sekyere, BS, MS, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Hypersplenism is defined as overactivity of the spleen and presents as the following:

    • Splenomegaly (commonly but not always)

    • Cytopenias with respective bone marrow hyperplasia of precu...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patients may complain of abdominal fullness or protrusion of the spleen through the abdominal wall; may complain of early satiety if the spleen is compressing stomach

  • Patients may comp...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • No specific medication can be recommended for patients with hypersplenism. The most important intervention is to treat the underlying disorder.

  • If ITP is the cause, the patient may ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Adult patients who are splenectomized should be advised to monitor closely for fever or rigors at home, which may be an early sign of bacteremia. They should be instructed to begin antibi...

REFERENCES

1
Bai  YN, Jiang  H, Prasoon  P. A meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological disorders. World J Surg.  2012;36(10):23...

SEE ALSO

Anemia, Autoimmune Hemolytic; Malaria; Polycythemia Vera; Tuberculosis 

CODES

ICD10

  • D73.1 Hypersplenism

SNOMED

  • 58381000 Hypersplenism

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Splenectomy is not necessary to make the diagnosis.

  • Avoid splenectomy in patients unless absolutely necessary. Splenectomized patients are at lifelong risk for overwhelming postsplenect...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×