Hypersplenism

Definition

Hypersplenism is a type of disorder which causes the spleen to rapidly and prematurely destroy blood cells.

Description

The spleen is located in the upper left area of the abdomen. One of this organ's major functions is to remove blood cells from the body's bloodstream. In hypersplenism, its normal function accelerates, and it begins to automatically remove cells that may still be normal in function. Sometimes, the spleen will temporarily hold onto up to 90% of the body's platelets and 45% of the red blood cells. Hypersplenism may occur as a primary disease, leading to other complications, or as a secondary disease, resulting from an underlying disease or disorder. Hypersplenism is sometimes referred to as enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). An enlarged spleen is one of the symptoms of hypersplenism. What differentiates hypersplenism is its premature destruction of blood cells.

— Teresa Norris

(medicine) Condition caused by abnormal spleen activity.

A syndrome consisting of splenomegaly and a deficiency of one or more types of blood cells.

A condition characterized by splenomegaly and exaggeration of the phagocytic function of the spleen, resulting in deficiency of peripheral blood elements, and often by hypercellularity of the bone marrow.