Definition

Splenic infarction is the death of tissue (necrosis) in the spleen due to a blockage in blood flow.

Causes

Common causes of splenic infarction include:

• Blood clots from the heart
• Blood cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia
• Diseases in which the blood clots more easily, such as sickle cell disease
• Inflammation of the pancreas or a mass in the pancreas pressing on the blood vessels to the spleen

References

Mohammed S, Rizvi H .Lymph nodes and extranodal lymphoid tissue, spleen and thymus. In: Cross SS, ed. Underwood's Pathology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 22.

Ollila TA, Zayac AS, Schiffman FJ. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 156.