Hypersplenism

Hypersplenism is Various disorder that causes the spleen to rapidly and prematurelydestroy blood cells.Hypersplenism may be caused by a variety of disorders. Sometimes, it is brought on by a problem within the spleen itself and is referred to as primary hypersplenism. Secondary hypersplenism results from another disease such as chronic malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or polycythemia vera, a blood disorder. Spleen disorders in general are almost always secondary in nature. Hypersplenism may also be caused by tumors.

The difference between splenomegaly and hypersplenism.  Splenomegaly is enlargement of the spleen Hypersplenism: is increase in the function of the spleen, so macrophages inside the spleen attack both normal and abnormal cells.

Etiology

Abnormalities of the spleen are almost always secondary to primary disorders elsewhere. Lymphoproliferative, myeloproliferative and connective tissue diseases are the most commonly encountered causes in temperate climates, while infectious diseases such as malaria, kala-azar and the like, are predominant in the tropics. Unsuspected hepatic cirrhoris or portal or splenic vein thrombosis resulting in congestive splenomegaly is uniformly distributed and a frequent cause of idiopathic splenomegaly.

Pathogenesis

Although sporadic data

Hypersplenism Symptoms and Signs

Most of the presenting symptoms and signs may be those of the underlying disease. Besides palpable splenomegaly, the following may be encountered

1. Left upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with splenic friction rubs indicates splenic infraction, a common concomitant of marked splenomegaly.

2. Epigastric and splenic bruits secondary to inordinate blood return from massively enlarge spleens may presage bleeding esophageal varices.

3. Early feeding satiety may be caused by encroachment on the stomach by the enlarged spleen.

4. Purpura and manifestation of mucosal bleeding may occur.