Lymphocytosis, Lymphocytopenia, Lymphadenopathy, and Splenomegaly

Abstract

Enlarged lymph nodes or an increase in the size of the spleen (splenomegaly) are seen during many infections, but can also be symptoms of many blood diseases. A lymphocytosis is present if the lymphocyte count in peripheral blood is increased to more than 4000/μL, a lymphopenia if the lymphocytes are decreased to less than 1000/μL. In general, a palpable spleen has to be considered as enlarged (splenomegaly). In order to measure the size of the spleen accurately, the spleen should be examined with ultrasound. The maximum normal size is approximately 12 × 10 × 5 cm, as determined by ultrasonic evaluation. It is also possible, using ultrasound, to recognize infiltrates of malignant lymphomas or splenic infarcts. Lymphadenopathy is a term for enlarged and/or pathological lymph nodes. Lymph nodes have be considered as enlarged or pathological if they present as chain of multiple lymph nodes or their size measures more than 1 cm. Other commonly used methods are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.