29. CML extreme splenomegaly

Organ: Spleen

CML splenomegaly prep

Description:

The spleen is massively enlarged.

Diagnosis: Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

Causes:

• Philadelphia chromosome (t(9;22))

Theory:

It’s hard to see on the picture but the preparation is very large, tall and heavy and contains an enormous spleen. The spleen in this case is 4200g (as can be seen on the label)!

Splenomegaly is a characteristic finding in CML.