Differential Diagnosis for Spleen Enlargement (15.5 cm)
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is a common cause of splenomegaly, especially in older adults. The spleen enlargement in CLL is due to the accumulation of malignant lymphocytes.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause splenomegaly due to the infiltration of malignant lymphocytes into the spleen.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML is another myeloproliferative disorder that can lead to splenomegaly due to the accumulation of granulocytes and their precursors in the spleen.
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (e.g., Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocytosis): These disorders can cause splenomegaly due to the overproduction of blood cells and the resulting sequestration of these cells in the spleen.
- Liver Cirrhosis with Portal Hypertension: Portal hypertension can lead to splenomegaly due to the increased pressure in the splenic vein, causing congestion and enlargement of the spleen.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sickle Cell Disease: Although less common, sickle cell disease can cause splenomegaly, especially in younger patients, due to the sickling of red blood cells and their subsequent sequestration in the spleen.
- Tuberculosis: Splenic tuberculosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause splenomegaly, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis can cause splenomegaly due to the formation of immune complexes and the subsequent deposition of these complexes in the spleen.
Rare Diagnoses
- Gaucher's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause splenomegaly due to the accumulation of glucocerebroside in the spleen.
- Histiocytosis: A rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of histiocytes in various organs, including the spleen, leading to splenomegaly.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare condition that can cause splenomegaly due to the formation of granulomas in the spleen.
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various organs, including the spleen, leading to splenomegaly.