SPLENITIS

enlargement and inflammation of the spleen as a result of infection, parasite infestation, or cysts. Infections spread readily to the spleen from other parts of the body. In pneumonia the spleen is moderately enlarged and soft; the cut surface is reddish to gray, while the tissue may be mushy in consistency. In typhoid the enlargement is greater because of the large amount of blood congestion. In infectious mononucleosis, so called because of the presence of abnormal numbers of white blood cells of the type called mononuclear leukocytes, swelling three to four times the normal size occurs. There are large clumps of white blood cells in the sinuses and pulp. Abscesses of the spleen are fairly uncommon. When they occur, they are usually the result of a nearby bacterial infection in the upper abdomen. Stomach ulcers, blood clots in the arteries or veins, and splenic blood tumours (hematomas) can complicate these infections. Treatment may include surgical drainage and administration of antibiotic drugs.