Reactive and Systemic Conditions

Abstract

A broad range of reactive and systemic disorders may be manifest in the spleen. Trauma and physical damage to the spleen are discussed, as well as their histologic appearances. Perisplenitis, or sugar-coated spleen, is illustrated. Fibrocongestive splenomegaly, a final common pathway of chronic vascular compromise, is shown. The splenic effects of red blood cell disorders, including thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and hereditary spherocytosis, are illustrated. Granulomas of a variety of causes are shown. The splenic manifestations of the rare histiocyte-derived disorder, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, is shown. A variety of unusual disorders, including Castleman disease, and effects of various therapies are illustrated. A broad range of autoimmune disorders will have significant findings in the spleen and these are discussed. Finally, this chapter shows a range of congenital immunodeficiency disorders that involve the spleen.