Hypersplenism is an overactive spleen. The spleen is an organ found in the upper left side of your belly area. The spleen helps filter old and damaged cells from your bloodstream. If your spleen is overactive, it removes the blood cells too early and too quickly.

The spleen plays an important role in helping your body fight infections. Problems with the spleen can make you more likely to develop infections.

Hypersplenism can be caused by:

• Cirrhosis
• Lymphoma
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis
• Various connective tissue and inflammatory diseases

Images

Spleen

Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)