View source for 3. Anaemic infarct of the spleen and splenomegaly

'''Organ''': Spleen

'''Description''':

The infarcted parts are greyish, dry and fragile, and are often dome or triangle-shaped. The spleen is also enlarged compared to normal.

'''Diagnosis''': Anaemic infarct of the spleen, splenomegaly

'''Causes''':

* Anaemic infarct
** Embolization from the systemic circulation (as opposed to the pulmonary circulation). Most commonly from the heart.
** A thrombus which formed inside the artery.
** Vasculitis (rare).
* Splenomegaly
** Haematological cancer
** Infections (like mononucleosis)
** Heart failure
** Liver cirrhosis

'''Theory''':

This type of infarction is caused by a blockage of an artery, causing the parts of the spleen supplied by this artery to receive no blood and therefore die. When the spleen is enlarged, the arterial blood supply more easily becomes insufficient to supply the whole spleen, which increases the risk of infarction.
[[File:Anaemic infarction of the spleen.jpg|center|thumb|Anaemic infarction of the spleen]]
[[Category:Pathology 1 - Macropreparations]]