Splenic infarction: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Splenic infarction is a type of organ infarction that occurs when the blood supply to the spleen is blocked or reduced, leading to tissue death in the organ.

• Subcapsular splenic infarction: It is a type of splenic infarction in which the infarcted area is located beneath the outermost covering of the spleen known as capsule. Abdominal pain on the left side is a common symptom of this infarction type.
• Peri-capsular splenic infarction: It is a type of splenic infarction in which the infarcted area is located near the capsule of the spleen. This type of infarction can cause severe pain in the left side of abdomen and may require medical intervention for proper treatment.
• Central splenic infarction: It is a type of splenic infarction in which the affected area is located in the centre portion of the spleen. This type of infarction can cause severe abdominal pain and may require surgical intervention for proper treatment.
• Multiple segmental splenic infarction: It is a type of splenic infarction in which multiple segments or portions of the spleen are affected by an obstruction to its blood supply leading to necrosis or death of tissue due to lack of oxygen supply. This type can also cause severe abdominal pain and require immediate medical attention for proper treatment.

Splenic infarction can be caused by several factors, including:

• Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the arteries that supply the spleen, blocking off its blood supply.
• Embolism: An embolism occurs when a clot or other foreign material travels through the bloodstream and lodges itself in an artery, blocking off blood flow to an organ.
• Infection: An infection of the spleen can cause inflammation and swelling, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow and eventual infarction of the organ.
• Other Causes: Other causes of splenic infarction include radiation therapy, abdominal surgery, tumours, drug reactions, sickle cell anaemia, pancreatitis, and trauma to the abdomen or spleen itself.

The most common symptom of splenic infarction is abdominal pain, which is usually the first symptom to appear. The pain is typically located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and may be sharp or dull, and can range from mild to severe.

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing rate
• Jaundice.
• In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all until the infarction has caused more serious complications such as a rupture of the spleen or sepsis.
• Long-term complications can include anaemia due to chronic blood loss from splenic infarction as well as a risk of infection due to a weakened immune system from a damaged spleen.

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of splenic infarction by keeping your body healthy and reducing stress.
• Maintain a healthy weight: The chance of having a splenic infarction goes up if you are overweight or obese. This risk can be cut down by keeping a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking increases your risk of splenic infarction, so it is important to quit if you are a smoker or avoid starting if you are not one already.
• Monitor symptoms: It is important to monitor for any signs or symptoms of splenic infarction, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and night sweats so that medical intervention can be sought if needed.

• Physical examination: A physical examination typically includes checking for tenderness or pain in the abdomen and left upper quadrant, as well as checking for an enlarged spleen or signs of inflammation.
• Blood tests: Anemia, a low platelet count, and a high white blood cell count may all be found by blood testing. Moreover, they might be used to look for infections or other potential sources of symptoms.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound can help diagnose splenic infarction by revealing an enlarged spleen or areas of fluid collection around the spleen due to tissue .
• Angiography: Angiography is a procedure in which a contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream to visualise blood vessels and detect any blockages or narrowed arteries that could be contributing to splenic infarction.
• Splenic biopsy: A splenic biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis of splenic infarction if the imaging tests are unclear or inconclusive.

• Haemorrhage: Splenic infarction can cause the spleen to rupture, resulting in serious haemorrhage. This may require surgical intervention to control the bleeding.
• Hypovolemic Shock: As the spleen is a key organ for managing and filtering blood cells, a splenic infarction can cause hypovolemic shock due to the sudden decrease in circulating blood volume.
• Infection: The spleen is an important organ for fighting off infections, so if it is damaged or removed due to splenic infarction, it can leave the person more susceptible to infection and other health complications.
• Sepsis: Splenic infarction can lead to sepsis if bacteria enter into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. If not treated soon, this may be fatal.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A splenic infarction can cause a clot to form in a vein or artery, which may then travel and become lodged in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism that must be treated with anticoagulants or other medical interventions.

• Taking pippali (long pepper) with honey and ghee: Pippali is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling and pain associated with splenic infarction. Taking it with honey and ghee helps to enhance its effectiveness.
• Drinking warm water: Drinking warm water helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots in the spleen, which can help prevent splenic infarction.
• Ginger paste: Applying a paste made of ginger powder and water on the affected area can provide relief from pain and reduce swelling associated with splenic infarction.
• Turmeric milk: Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help decrease inflammation and pain resulting from splenic infarction. Drinking turmeric milk can provide relief from symptoms of splenic infarction.

• A nutritious, healthy diet is vital for those suffering from splenic infarction.
• Foods that are low in fat, such as lean meats, fish, fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet.
• In addition to this, it is advised that you consume foods that are rich in fibre, such as whole grains and legumes.
• Drinking plenty of fluids is important to stay hydrated and to help flush out toxins from the body.

• Avoid fatty and fried foods: It is important to steer clear of items that are heavy in fat, including fried foods, since this might make the symptoms of splenic infarction even more severe.
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods: Spicy and acidic foods may disturb the digestive tract and exacerbate splenic infarction-related pain.
• Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, sodium, and preservatives, all of which can be difficult for the body to break down during a splenic infarction.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can increase inflammation in the body and can worsen the symptoms of splenic infarction.
• Avoid caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels which can all be detrimental to someone suffering from a splenic infarction.

• Emergency surgery: This is the primary treatment for splenic infarction, involving the removal of the spleen (splenectomy), to prevent further complications and reduce pain.
• Splenic artery embolization: A procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the splenic artery to block off blood flow to the spleen, reducing inflammation and pain.
• Percutaneous drainage: This procedure involves inserting a needle into the spleen to drain any fluid or blood that may have accumulated in the organ, thus reducing pain and inflammation.
• Medications: Medications to alleviate the swelling, discomfort and other symptoms associated with splenic infarction may be prescribed.

You should consult a general surgeon, an interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist.

• Anticoagulants: These drugs help to reduce the formation of clots in the spleen, thus reducing the risk of splenic infarction. Here are a few examples: warfarin, heparin, and low molecular weight heparin.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications help reduce inflammation in the spleen, which may help reduce the risk of splenic infarction. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
• Analgesics: These drugs are used to relieve pain associated with splenic infarction. Examples include acetaminophen and opioids such as morphine and fentanyl.
• Diuretics: These medications help reduce fluid accumulation in the spleen, thus reducing pressure on it that can lead to splenic infarction. Examples include furosemide and thiazide diuretics.
• Vasodilators: These medications help widen blood vessels leading to the spleen, thus reducing pressure on it that can lead to splenic infarction.

Many weeks to months may be needed to fully recover from a splenic infarction.

Recuperation time might also be affected by how fast the patient can resume routine activity.

No, the results of treatment for splenic infarction are not permanent.

Splenic infarction can recur if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, controlling pain and preventing complications.

The post-treatment guidelines for splenic infarction typically include:

• Rest: For the body to repair and recover from splenic infarction, rest is crucial. Generally, a period of rest of at least one week is recommended.
• Avoid activities that put strain on the spleen: During recovery, activities that may cause trauma or strain to the spleen should be avoided, including contact sports or strenuous physical activity.
• Follow-up with healthcare provider: It may be required to schedule routine follow-up meetings with a healthcare professional to check any issues related to the infarction, track healing, and assess recovery.
• Eating a healthy diet: Consuming a healthy, balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables can aid in the healing process and speed up recovery after splenic infarction.

The cost of splenic infarction treatment in India varies according to the severity of the ailment, the kind of treatment needed, and the hospital or clinic that provides the treatment. Generally, treatments can range anywhere from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh or more.

The side-effects of splenic infarction treatments vary from person to person, but some of the most common side effects include:

• Pain: Treatments for splenic infarction can cause pain. This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that can be debilitating. The pain may arise as a result of the treatment itself or due to the underlying cause of the infarction.
• Bleeding: Splenic infarcts may cause serious bleeding. This bleeding can occur internally or externally, depending on the severity and location of the infarct.
• Infection: Splenic infarctions can increase a patient’s risk for infection due to weakened immunity or by providing an entry point for bacteria into the bloodstream.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Many patients experience nausea and vomiting as a result of splenic infarction treatments, which may be caused by medications used during treatment or related to the underlying condition itself.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is another potential side effect that patients may experience after splenic infarction treatments due to medications used during treatment or simply from being ill overall.

If you are suffering from Splenic infarction symptoms, you should see a doctor right away since they may result in adverse effects such as 'tissue loss, pain, and other health difficulties' for which treatment courses can vary from a few months to years according to the extent of the condition.