Splenic infarction (death of spleen)

About Splenic infarction (death of spleen)

Occurs when one or more small areas within the spleen are deprived of blood flow, usually from traveling clots that block small blood vessels in the spleen. The spleen is located in the left upper abdomen under the ribs. This organ removes old red blood cells from the serum and holds red blood cells for emergency use by the body. The spleen is also important in fighting infection by removing bacteria covered by the body's antibodies. Splenic infarction can occur in the following conditions: artificial heart valves, infected heart valves, hypercoagulable states, cancer, and trauma to the spleen.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain in the left upper abdomen, left flank pain, fever, chills, vomiting, left shoulder pain.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. This diagnosis is seen on CT scan of the abdomen. A heart murmur or suspicion that a clot may have traveled from the heart can be evaluated with echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound.

Conventional treatment summary

Most patients with splenic infarctions are observed first in the hospital then at home. Surgery is rarely needed (taking out the spleenâ`splenectomy` could be done in severe cases.) All patients who have a non-functioning spleen should be evaluated for vaccination against the pneumococcus, hemophilus and meningococcus bacteria.

Medical specialties

General Surgery

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Splenic infarction (death of spleen).