The remaining spleen in a case of a patient with sickle cell anemia. Notice that in contrast to a normal spleen, which is a large structure weighing approximately 150 grams, a very small remnant of splenic tissue is seen in this patient. Multiple splenic infarcts, resulting in a small spleen, are common in this disease and are referred to as auto-amputation.
Abnormal cells form occlusive aggregates which result in infarct of the spleen.
Hemolysis also occurs due to repeat deformations of the red cell. Search Medline at National Library of Medicine Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window.