TH12 THE SPLEEN Flashcards
Which are the major functions of the spleen
Hematologic ( destruction of senescent erythrocytes , reservoir for platelets and granulocytes , hematopoiesis in fetus or in conditions with bone marrow destruction ) and immunologic functions [ filtration and trapping of circulatory antigens , lymphocyte stimulation and proliferation , antibody production )
What does “ hypersplenism “ mean
increased splenic function manifested clinically by the decrease in one or more of the circulating blood elements .
specific criteria for hypersplenism
anemia , thrombocytopenia , leukopenia ; normal compensatory response by the bone marrow to correct the cytopenia and correction of cytopenia by splenectomy
most common indication for elective splenectomy ?
.elective splenectomy .
What is the aim of elective splenectomy in hypersplenism ?
reverse the cytopenia and to relieve compressive symptoms in cases of splenomegaly .
most common primary tumors of the spleen ?
Hemangiomas , hemangioendotheliomas , lymphangiomas , hamartomas , inflammatory pseudotumors , non - parasitic cysts .
What is usual clinical presentation of splenic abscess ?
The patients present with signs and symptoms of sepsis , including fever , malaise , and leukocytosis . When the spleen is the sole site of infection , patients will have significant left upper quadrant tenderness and guarding
What is the treatment of choice in splenic abscess ?
splenectomy .
What is the cause of ectopic spleen ?
extreme laxity or absence of the normal ligaments that attach the spleen to the left upper quadrant .
What is usual localization of ectopic spleen
usually dropped to the lower abdomen in either the right or the left lower quadrant by the force of gravity attached by its vascular pedicle
What is the definition of “ hyposplenism “ ?
state seen after a splenectomy , characterized with hematologic changes in the circulating cells and changes in the immunologic responses
What is the main danger for the patients after splenectomy and which aged group is most commonly affected ?
Overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis due to the changes in the immunologic responses . Infants or young children are under the highest risk of postsplenectomy sepsis .
Which is the most common micro - organism causing postsplenectomy sepsis ?
The most common micro - organism causing postsplenectomy sepsis is Streptococcus pneumoniae , which accounts for 50 % of septic episodes in most series .
What does iatrogenic splenectomy mean ?
Iatrogenic splenectomy means removal iatrogenically traumatized spleen during unrelated abdominal operations .
What is the primary goal of prophylactic treatment of splenectomized patients ?
The primary goal of this prophylaxis is to prevent overwhelming post splenectomy infection
