Splenomegaly refers to an abnormal enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen that plays important roles in filtering blood and supporting immune function.

Causes

Common causes of splenomegaly include:

• Infections: Mononucleosis, malaria
• Liver diseases: Cirrhosis, portal hypertension
• Blood disorders: Hemolytic anemias, leukemias, lymphomas
• Inflammatory conditions: Sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Metabolic disorders: Gaucher disease
• Congestion: Due to vascular issues

Symptoms

Splenomegaly may present with:

• Abdominal fullness or pain in the upper left quadrant
• Early satiety due to compression of the stomach
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding

In many cases, splenomegaly is asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on physical exam or imaging.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical examination: To palpate for an enlarged spleen
• Blood tests: To check for abnormalities in blood counts
• Imaging studies: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to visualize spleen size
• Additional tests: To determine the underlying cause

Treatment

Treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause of the splenomegaly and may include:

• Antibiotics: For infectious causes
• Management of liver disease or portal hypertension
• Chemotherapy: For hematologic malignancies
• Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen in severe cases