Splenic sequestration

(ENLARGED SPLEEN)

 
 
spleen.png

What is the spleen?

The spleen is an organ located on the left side of the belly, under the rib cage. The spleen filters bacteria and old red blood cells from your body.

 

Enlarged spleen

  • When sickled red blood cells block blood flow out of the spleen, the spleen becomes big. Some people with sickle cell disease have a spleen that is slightly big all the time.

  • In some cases, the spleen gets big very fast. This condition is called “splenic sequestration” and can be life-threatening. Although an enlarged (or bigger) spleen is most common in children, the spleen may become enlarged in adults as well.

  • People who have had an enlarged spleen once will likely have it again.

spleen_2_space.png

Symptoms of an enlarged spleen include:

 

◦ Pain or tenderness in the left upper part of the belly, under the rib cage

◦ Feeling a bulge under the left rib cage

◦ Feeling full soon after starting a meal, before you have eaten very much

 

In splenic sequestration, a large amount of blood is trapped in the spleen. Trapped blood is not available to the rest of the body.

Signs of trapped blood include:

◦ Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

◦ Feeling short of breath

◦ Having a fast heart rate

◦ Feeling very sleepy

 

TREATMENT

If there are signs that a large amount of blood is trapped in the spleen, you may need a blood transfusion.

  • A hematologist should be part of your team to make sure you get the right amount of blood.

  • Sometimes surgery is needed to keep spleen enlargement from happening again.

 
 
checkmarks_orange_lighter.png

Splenic sequestration checklist

For you and your health care provider

 

Check size:

🄯 Talk with your provider to learn how you or your loved ones can check your spleen size.

Trapped blood:

🄯 If there are signs that a large amount of blood is trapped in the spleen, talk with your provider about getting fluids through a vein. You may need a blood transfusion. A hematologist should be part of your team to make sure you get the right amount of blood.

Surgery:

🄯 If surgery is recommended, talk with your sickle cell provider to see if you should get a blood transfusion before the surgery.

 
overview_space.png

SECTION OVERVIEW

 

  • Although common in children, an enlarged spleen can happen in adults as well.

  • An enlarged spleen can be a medical emergency.