Hypersplenism is a condition in which the spleen is overactive.

Hypersplenism can be caused by:

• Cirrhosis
• Lymphoma
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis
• Various connective tissue and inflammatory diseases

Symptoms include:

• Enlarged spleen
• Low level of one or more types of blood cells
• Premature feeling of fullness after eating
• Stomach pain on the left side

Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2007: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2007:443.

Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philladelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston; 2005:711-12.

Secondary hypersplenism results from another disease such as chronic malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or polycythemia vera, a blood disorder.