DEFINITION
Enlargement of the spleen; characterized as either diffuse or nodular
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Spleen—removal of senescent and abnormal erythrocytes; filtration and phagocytosis of antigenic particles; production of lymphocytes and plasma cells; reservoir for erythrocytes and platelets; hematopoiesis, as required
Many disorders are related to and reflect splenic functions.
Diffuse
Four general pathologic mechanisms
Inflammatory (splenitis)—associated with infectious agents; classified according to cell type (e.g., suppurative, necrotizing, eosinophilic, lymphoplasmacytic, and granulomatous-pyogranulomatous)
Lymphoreticular hyperplasia—hyperplasia of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphoid elements (in response to antigens); accelerated erythrocyte destruction
Congestion—associated with impaired venous drainage
Infiltration—involves cellular invasion of the spleen or deposition of abnormal substances
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