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:
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Blood clots from the heart
Blood clots
Blood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Diseases in which the blood clots more easily, such as sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...
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Inflammation of the pancreas or a mass in the pancreas pressing on the blood vessels to the spleen
Inflammation of the pancreas
Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.
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References
Mohammed S, Rizvi H .Lymph nodes and extranodal lymphoid tissue, spleen and thymus. In: Cross SS, ed. Underwood's Pathology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 22.
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.
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Spleen anatomy - illustration
The spleen is an organ that filters the blood, stores blood cells, removes old red blood cells, and produces certain white blood cells.
Spleen anatomy
illustration
Review Date: 8/18/2025
Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
