Abstract:
Hypersplenism is defined as a peripheral cytopenia caused by splenomegaly. The enlargement of the spleen leads to sequestration of blood cells and consequently to increased cell destruction.
Clinical Picture:
The clinical picture is usually characterized by the underlying disease (e.g. hepatic cirrhosis) which is the cause of the splenomegaly. However, anemia, leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia can lead to symptoms like exercise intolerance or hemorrhaging.
Hematology:
Anemia, leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia may be present. A moderately raised reticulocyte count and polychromasia are an indication of a compensatory increase of erythropoiesis. Otherwise, blood cells are cytologically inconspicuous .