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What Is a Splenic Infarction?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A splenic infarction is tissue death in the spleen caused by interruptions to the oxygen supply for this organ. Management of this condition involves monitoring the patient for signs of complications and intervening if necessary with surgery and other treatments. Many patients are able to keep their spleens, depending on the extent of the oxygen deprivation and other factors. Usually, the earlier the treatment, the better the patient outcome.

Splenic infarctions occur when a block along the splenic artery or one of its branches develops. This can be the result of a clotting disorder or an underlying infection. The patient usually experiences acute pain in the abdomen and may feel nauseous because of the pain. A doctor can request medical imaging studies to determine what is going on. Tissue death will be visible on the study, as will bleeds, occlusions, and other issues.

Symptoms of a splenic infarction may include upper right abdominal pain.
Symptoms of a splenic infarction may include upper right abdominal pain.

Immediate treatment for a splenic infarction is usually pain relief to keep the patient comfortable. The case may be surgical if the spleen appears infected or abscessed, or if there is a bleed in the abdomen. The surgeon may be able to approach using minimally invasive techniques to limit scarring and reduce healing time. In surgery, the doctor will determine if the spleen can be preserved. If possible, the surgeon will remove dead tissue and leave the spleen in place. Vascular repairs to address bleeds and other issues can be performed at the same time.

X-rays may be conducted to diagnose a splenic infarction.
X-rays may be conducted to diagnose a splenic infarction.

People with clotting disorders are more at risk of issues like splenic infarction, along with serious conditions such as pulmonary emboli. These patients should be alert to early symptoms of distress. Infections known to cause clotting problems and occlusions are also a cause for concern. Doctors may monitor patients with cytomegalovirus, for example, with special care so they can identify issues like infarctions as early as possible.

Surgery may be required to treat a splenic infarction.
Surgery may be required to treat a splenic infarction.

After a splenic infarction is resolved, the patient should feel much more comfortable. If the spleen was removed, some lifestyle adjustments may be needed and the patient will need to be careful about straining or stretching the abdomen until the surgical site is completely healed. The surgeon can provide advice on when to resume normal activities and whether any dietary modifications will be needed. Usually, clear fluids are needed immediately after splenic infarction surgery and the patient can gradually make the diet more complex, including more solids and a wider variety of foods.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

@feruze-- The spleen is really important! It has a lot to do with the immune system because it removes bacteria and damaged blood cells from the bloodstream. So it strengthens our immune system.

Without the spleen we would get infections all the time and people who have their spleens removed, are at high risk for infections.

My sister had to have her spleen removed because of sickle cell disease. She became really open to infections and even had sepsis one time. Sepsis can be really dangerous because the infections literally spreads in the bloodstream since the spleen is not there to get rid of them.

That's why doctors don't remove the spleen if they absolutely don't have to. If a splenectomy is necessary because of splenic infarcts, they try to save as much of the spleen as possible and only remove the dead tissue.

bear78

I was so worried about this a couple of years ago, because I got infected with malaria. I picked it up when I went to India. I made the mistake of not getting vaccinated and started showing malaria symptoms as soon as I got back.

My doctor had freaked me out at that time and said that I could develop various complications including splenic infaction and might have to have spleen removal. I think he exaggerated a little bit. My malaria was treated in time and I didn't develop any complications and no infarction.

I know the spleen is important, but I have a cousin who had to have his spleen removed because of damage from a car accident. It didn't seem all that bad. Am I wrong?

SteamLouis

I'm not sure about all the details of it but I know that spleen infarction was one of the issues my grandmother was dealing with before she passed away. She was actually in the final stage of liver disease (cirrhosis) which was probably the cause of her splenic infarction.

I don't remember the doctors doing much about the infarction aside from monitoring it. Of course, the main concern was monitoring her liver. She was supposed to get a liver transplant, but unfortunately, passed away soon before.

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    • Symptoms of a splenic infarction may include upper right abdominal pain.
      By: staras
      Symptoms of a splenic infarction may include upper right abdominal pain.
    • X-rays may be conducted to diagnose a splenic infarction.
      By: stokkete
      X-rays may be conducted to diagnose a splenic infarction.
    • Surgery may be required to treat a splenic infarction.
      By: astoria
      Surgery may be required to treat a splenic infarction.
    • A blockage of the splenic artery can cause a splenic infarction.
      By: snapgalleria
      A blockage of the splenic artery can cause a splenic infarction.