Hypersplenism Overview
Learn About 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.
Common causes of hypersplenism include:
- Cirrhosis (advanced liver disease)
- Lymphoma
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
- Various connective tissue and inflammatory diseases
Symptoms include:
- Enlarged spleen
- Low level of one or more types of blood cells
- Feeling full too soon after eating
- Stomach pain on the left side
Dou-sheng Bai practices in Yangzhou, China. Bai is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hypersplenism. Their top areas of expertise are Hypersplenism, Esophageal Varices, Portal Hypertension, Splenectomy, and Endoscopy.
Guo-qing Jiang practices in Yangzhou, China. Jiang is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hypersplenism. Their top areas of expertise are Hypersplenism, Portal Hypertension, Esophageal Varices, Splenectomy, and Endoscopy.
B Peng practices in Chengdu, China. Peng is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hypersplenism. Their top areas of expertise are Hypersplenism, Splenic Neoplasm, Cavernous Lymphangioma, Splenectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Summary: In this study,the researchers compared the changes in immune function-related indicators in patients with liver cirrhosis following laparoscopic partial splenectomy,to determine whether this surgical intervention can enhance postoperative immune function and thereby improve patient outcomes.
Summary: This study assesses the effectiveness of microwave ablation of the spleen in conjunction with splenic artery occlusion for treating secondary hypersplenism.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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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.
Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 154.