hematology and oncology
Overview of the Spleen
Asplenia
Asplenia is loss of splenic function due to Congenital absence of the spleen Functional absence of the spleen Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is a rare disorder. Infants with this disorder often also have Overview of Congenital Cardiovascular Anomalies such as dextrocardia. is loss of splenic function due to a variety of systemic diseases. Common causes include Sickle Cell Disease , is the physical absence of the spleen. It can occur in otherwise healthy patients who require splenectomy after trauma or in patients with immunologic or hematologic diseases that require splenectomy (eg, Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) , Due to the spleen’s important role in humoral immunity as well as in removal of antibody-coated bacteria, asplenia of any cause significantly increases the risk of infection. Patients who are asplenic are particularly susceptible to severe sepsis due to encapsulated microorganisms, primarily Streptococcal Infections (pneumococcus), but also sometimes Because of the risk of these infections, immunization is important. Patients should receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine , the 