The spleen is located in the left upper abdomen. It is intricately involved in the immune system and the blood system. Occlusions of the blood vessels leading to the spleen often occurs in people suffering from enlarged spleens. In addition, diseases that produce emboli, such as infected heart valves or previous heart attack, may produce occlusion of the splenic arteries.
Causes of Splenic Infarction
Leukemia and myeloid metaplasia are common causes of enlargement of the spleen and splenic infarction. Sickle cell disease may lead to vascular occlusion of this or other organs. Clots in the heart due to heart attack or infected heart valves may produce emboli that can occlude the splenic arteries.
Signs and Symptoms of Splenic Infarction
Splenic infarction is associated with the rapid onset of sharp, stabbing pain in the left upper abdomen. Breathing frequently will aggravate the pain. Irritation of the adjacent diaphragm may produce left shoulder pain. If the spleen should rupture, generalized abdominal pain occurs. Significant loss of blood may produce shock and anemia, with shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate and pallor.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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