What is asplenia?

Asplenia is a rare condition characterized by the absence of the spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper-left part of the abdomen, beneath the rib cage, that is responsible for producing antibodies to fight infections.

Asplenia is classified as:

Congenital:

• A component of heterotaxy syndrome that affects organs in the chest and abdomen.
• It can also be inherited from one of the parents.

Functional:

A disease that affects the spleen’s functionality due to:

• Atrophy
• Congestion
• Infarction
• Infiltration

Acquired:

• Surgical removal of the spleen due to injury or an enlarged spleen.
• Ruptured spleen.

With asplenia, there is a greater risk of contracting bacterial or viral infections, so administering vaccines and antibiotics is essential to prevent microorganisms from attacking the body.

Most people without a spleen lead normal, active lives, but there is always a risk of infection because, as mentioned, the spleen is a crucial part of the body’s immune system that helps fight off infections.

In addition to performing a physical exam and reviewing the patient’s medical history, the doctor will order various studies to assess the state of the spleen, including:

• X-rays
• MRI
• CT scan

The treatment for asplenia, once its origin is determined, consists of a series of measures to help avoid the risk of a severe or life-threatening infection:

• Pneumonia vaccines
• Flu vaccines
• Meningitis vaccines
• Shingles vaccines
• Chickenpox vaccines
• Preventive antibiotics
• Prophylaxis

At the ABC Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine, we provide high-quality, safe medical care, from prevention and diagnosis to timely treatment and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrine, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions, treating both chronic and acute illnesses through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Internal Medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory