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Related Subjects:
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|Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections
Examination of the spleen helps detect splenomegaly, assess consistency, and guide investigations. Key OSCE pearl: always start palpation in the right iliac fossa as the spleen enlarges diagonally towards it.
Mnemonic (Massive Splenomegaly): "MMM" = Myelofibrosis, Malaria, Myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Spleen exam = Inspect ๐ โ Palpate โ (RIFโLUQ, with inspiration) โ Percuss ๐ฅ (Traubeโs space).
Normal spleen not palpable.
Massive splenomegaly โ think MMM (Myelofibrosis, Malaria, Myeloid leukaemia).
Always document fully & link findings to systemic disease.
๐ ๏ธ Preparation
๐ Inspection
โ Palpation
๐ฅ Percussion
๐ Common Findings
๐ Documentation
๐งพ Causes of Splenomegaly
๐ Investigations
Investigation Finding
FBC Pancytopenia (hypersplenism), anaemia
Blood film Abnormal cells (e.g., blasts in leukaemia, parasites in malaria)
LFTs Signs of cirrhosis/portal hypertension
Ultrasound/CT Confirm splenomegaly, assess structure
Bone marrow biopsy Myeloproliferative / infiltrative causes
Serology Infections: EBV, malaria, kala-azar
โ๏ธ Management
๐ Summary
๐ผ๏ธ Diagram