Incidental Splenomegaly: When to Look Further

Clinical Takeaway

: Splenomegaly (≥13 cm or ≥400 ml) detected incidentally was associated with increased risk of hematologic cancer and liver disease.

Context

Incidentally discovered splenomegaly raises concern for malignancy or liver disease. However, the spleen size that warrants further evaluation remains uncertain (see ). In this prospective cohort study, investigators quantified risks for hematologic cancer, liver cancer, and cirrhosis associated with incidentally discovered splenomegaly. The analysis included 47,000 adults from Danish and U.K. cohorts who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.

Key Results

After a median follow-up of 5 years and multivariable adjustment:

Absolute risk of hematologic cancer increased progressively: moderately at length 13–13.9 cm (or volume 400–499 ml), and markedly at length ≥14 cm (or volume ≥500 ml).
People…

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, M.D., M.P.H., M.A.C.P.

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose