Lépnagyobbodás

Lépnagyobbodás, also known as splenomegaly, refers to an enlarged spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It plays a role in the immune system, filtering blood and housing white blood cells. Splenomegaly is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Various factors can cause the spleen to enlarge. Infections, such as mononucleosis, malaria, and certain bacterial infections, are common culprits. Blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, and hemolytic anemias, can also lead to splenomegaly. Liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis, can cause increased pressure in the veins that supply the spleen, leading to its enlargement. Other causes include storage diseases like Gaucher disease and Niemann-Pick disease, and certain autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms of a significantly enlarged spleen can include pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper left abdomen, early satiety (feeling full quickly after eating), fatigue, and a higher susceptibility to infections due to impaired spleen function. In some cases, splenomegaly may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during a medical examination or imaging study.

Diagnosis of splenomegaly typically involves a physical examination to feel the size of the spleen, followed by blood tests to investigate potential underlying causes. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to confirm the enlargement and assess its extent. Treatment for splenomegaly focuses on addressing the underlying condition responsible for the enlarged spleen. If the cause is an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. For blood disorders or liver disease, specific treatments for those conditions are initiated. In rare instances where the enlarged spleen causes severe symptoms or complications, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be considered.