PATHOLOGICAL ENLARGEMENT OF THE SPLEEN (SPLENOMEGALY) AND ITS CAUSES
Keywords:
spleen, splenomegaly, hematologic diseases, infections, portal hypertension, lymphoid hyperplasia, immune responseAbstract
Splenomegaly refers to the pathological enlargement of the spleen, a key lymphoid organ responsible for blood filtration, immune surveillance, and hematopoietic regulation. Enlargement of the spleen may arise from a wide range of systemic, infectious, hematologic, neoplastic, and metabolic disorders. The condition is not a disease in itself but a clinical manifestation of underlying pathology that alters splenic structure and function. Understanding the mechanisms of splenomegaly is essential for differential diagnosis and effective management of patients with hematologic or systemic diseases. This article explores the anatomical and physiological basis of splenic enlargement, the major categories of its causes, and its clinical and pathological implications.
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