Causes and Symptoms of Enlarged Spleen in Children

Question

Enlarged spleen is a common symptom in infants and young children. It is often seen in systemic diseases such as infections, blood disorders, metabolic diseases, and tumors. Diseases limited to the spleen itself are rare. In cases of acute infection, splenic congestion can be observed within a few days, and the spleen can be palpated under the left ribcage. Splenomegaly caused by chronic infection is mainly due to proliferative infiltration. In most premature infants, the spleen can be palpated immediately after birth.

Answer

Enlarged spleen is a common symptom in infants and young children. It is often seen in systemic diseases such as infections, blood disorders, metabolic diseases, and tumors. Diseases limited to the spleen itself are rare. In cases of acute infection, splenic congestion can be observed within a few days, and the spleen can be palpated under the left ribcage. Splenomegaly caused by chronic infection is mainly due to proliferative infiltration. In most premature infants, the spleen can be palpated immediately after birth.