What is asplenia?

21 November 2025

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.

Diagnosis and treatment Asplenia

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.

Fuentes:

  • elsevier.es
  • aeped.es
  • cun.es
  • analesdepediatria.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.