Splenic infarction (death of spleen)

Description

It occurs when one or several smaller areas in the spleen do not have sufficient blood supply, often due to the clots that travel and block small blood vessels in the spleen. The spleen is located in upper left side of the stomach below the ribs. This organ removes old red blood cells from the blood and keeps the red blood cells for cases the body would need them. The spleen is also important for its protective role from the infections, when removes bacteria covered with antibodies, which are in the body. Splenic infarction occurs when following is present: artificial heart valves, infected heart valves, thrombophilia, cancer, and spleen injury.

Symptoms

Pain in the left upper part of the abdomen, pain in the loin, chills, vomiting, pain in the left shoulder.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Diagnosis can be set with CT scan of the abdomen. With an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) it can be checked if there is a heart murmur and if the clot has passed from the heart.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan and lipase.

Additional analyses

Angiography

Specialists

General Surgery

Therapy

Most patients who suffer from the spleenic infarction are being monitored in the hospital first and then at home. Surgery (extraction of the spleen, splenectomy) is rarely necessary and can be done in more severe cases of the disease. All patients with dysfunctional spleen should be assessed for getting the vaccine for pneumococcus, haemophilus and meningococcus.