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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Diagnosis Of Enlarged Spleen In A Teenager A Cause For Concern?

My 16 year old son just had an MRI focused on L5 looking for a Pars fracture. While there is no Pars fracture, the MRI revealed an enlarged spleen. He is a big kid at 6 3 and weighs 160 lbs The MRI was due to lower L5 area back pain that was unresolved. I wonder if the enlarged spleen is causing pressure on nerves that mimic L5 pain. He is a talented athlete and this back pain arose during competitive volleyball season where he arches his back while hitting (Outside Hitter position). I have a clinical lab background and I am concerned about the splenomegally mentioned in the MRI report with the recommendation to investigate further. No other symptoms exist except my son s occasion comment that he is hungry but feels full quickly (enlarged spleen pressing on stomach? Being of northern Eurpoean origin can this be due to heredity vs a disease process?
Mon, 27 Apr 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Enlarged spleen is called splenomegaly and there are various causes possibly leading to this.

In first case these are infections such as mononucleosis Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis or Bacterial infections. It means that any infection in your body may lead to spleen enlargement.

Second most common causes include autoimmune diseases such as hrombocytopenia.

If this is ruled out by specific tests then some other causes may be considered and some are more or less serious such as Leukemia Lymphoma, or someInflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In every case, infectious causes are treated with antibiotics and other causes may require surgical removal of spleen.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein
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Is Diagnosis Of Enlarged Spleen In A Teenager A Cause For Concern?

Hi, Enlarged spleen is called splenomegaly and there are various causes possibly leading to this. In first case these are infections such as mononucleosis Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis or Bacterial infections. It means that any infection in your body may lead to spleen enlargement. Second most common causes include autoimmune diseases such as hrombocytopenia. If this is ruled out by specific tests then some other causes may be considered and some are more or less serious such as Leukemia Lymphoma, or someInflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In every case, infectious causes are treated with antibiotics and other causes may require surgical removal of spleen. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein