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Splenic infarction

Splenic infarction is the death of tissue (necrosis) in the spleen due to a blockage in blood flow.

Causes

Common causes of splenic infarction include:

  • Blood clots from the heart
  • Blood cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia
  • Diseases in which the blood clots more easily, such as sickle cell disease
  • Inflammation of the pancreas or a mass in the pancreas pressing on the blood vessels to the spleen

Images

References

Ollila TA, Zayac AS, Schiffman FJ. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 156.

Review Date 9/9/2023

Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.