MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hypersplenism

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Hypersplenism

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Spleen

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Hypersplenism is increased activity of the spleen caused by tumors, anemia, malaria, tuberculosis, and various connective tissue and inflammatory diseases.

An enlarged spleen is often accompanied by a lack of one or more types of blood cells. The enlarged spleen can cause stomach pain on the left side, as well as feeling full prematurely after eating.

Update Date: 6/2/2003

Updated by: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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