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.

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)
Lymphoma
Malaria
Tuberculosis
Various connective tissue and inflammatory diseases

Symptoms

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

Images

Spleen

References

Connell NT, Shurin SB, Schiffman FJ. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 162.

Ferri FF. Hyperspleenism. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor2016. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:p 665.

Review Date 5/4/2015

Updated by: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.