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An overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) is a rare but rapidly fatal infection occurring in individuals following removal (or permanent dysfunction) of the spleen. The infections are typically characterized by either meningitis or sepsis , and are caused by encapsulated organisms including Streptococcus pneumoniae . [ 3 ]
Asplenia can increase susceptibility to infection. [3] Autosplenectomy can occur in cases of sickle-cell disease where the misshapen cells block blood flow to the spleen, causing scarring and eventual atrophy of the organ. [2] Autosplenectomy is a rare condition that is linked to certain diseases but is not a common occurrence.
Acquired asplenia occurs for several reasons: . Following splenectomy due to splenic rupture from trauma or because of tumor; After splenectomy with the goal of interfering with splenic function, as a treatment for diseases (e.g. idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, thalassemia, spherocytosis), in which the spleen's usual activity exacerbates the disease
The spleen (from Anglo-Norman espleen, ult. from Ancient Greek σπλήν, splḗn) [1] is an organ found in almost all vertebrates. Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter. The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the immune system. [2]
In sickle cell disease, repeated splenic infarctions lead to a non-functional spleen (autosplenectomy). Any factor that directly compromises the splenic artery can cause infarction. Examples include abdominal traumas, aortic dissection, torsion of the splenic artery (for example, in wandering spleen) or external compression on the artery by a ...
central nervous system infections (meningitis, encephalitis), inflammation and infection of the spleen and liver, infection and inflammation of the epididymus and testicles (epididymo-orchitis), arthritis, inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers (endocarditis). [2] Diagnostic method
This category reflects the organization of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision. Generally, diseases outlined within the ICD-10 codes D73 within Chapter III: Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism should be included in this category.
The spleen is an important organ in regard to immunological function due to its ability to efficiently destroy encapsulated bacteria. Therefore, removal of the spleen runs the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection , a medical emergency and rapidly fatal disease caused by the inability of the body's immune system to properly fight ...