Congestive Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen that often results from blood-borne infections. The red pulp expands as neutrophils accumulate in the spleen and encroaches on the lymphoid follicles. In congestive splenomegaly, an obstruction of venous outflow from the spleen leads to an increase in the amount of red pulp. Initially, the red pulp is congested, but over time it becomes fibrotic. The main cause of congestive splenomegaly is cirrhosis of the liver.