The prognosis
A splenic infarction is based on a circulatory disorder of the tissue and usually occurs within a few minutes. The localization of the infarct and the associated cell death contributes significantly to the prognosis. In small infarct areas, the spleen can usually continue to do its work.
However, the cause of the infarct should be found out and treated adequately to avoid future infarcts. In large infarction areas, surgical removal of the spleen may be necessary. However, people who have had their spleens removed have a much higher risk of infection.
Bacterial diseases in particular are promoted by the lack of defence cells in the spleen. Due to the risk of infection and associated complications, such as blood poisoning, those affected generally have a worse prognosis in terms of their life expectancy. What function and task does the spleen perform? You can find out more here.
The course of the disease
Depending on its location, a splenic infarction leads to cell death. In small infarcts, localized tissue death can occur without significantly affecting the function of the spleen. Those affected are often still able to live on without restrictions.
In large infarcts with removal of the spleen, the course of the disease is more complicated. Due to the missing spleen, the affected persons can suffer from severe infections, which can sometimes take a life-threatening course.Many of those affected are then dependent on special medications for the prophylaxis (preventive measures) of infections. The long-term consequences of a splenic infarction depend on the size of the destroyed spleen tissue.
A “small” splenic infarction, in which only a small amount of tissue is lost, is usually not accompanied by any significant loss of spleen function. Those affected then usually have no health restrictions or risks to fear. In an infarction that has led to a large tissue defect, the spleen can no longer perform its function.
It is then often removed in a surgical procedure. Due to the missing spleen, there is then a greater risk of infection, especially in the case of bacterial diseases. The reason for the increased risk of disease is the failure of special immune defense cells, which are normally located in large numbers in the spleen and play a decisive role in the defense against pathogens.
All articles in this series:
