Clinical haematology · UKMLA & AKT

Hypersplenism

A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise hypersplenism — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.

Key high-yield points

  • Hypersplenism = overactive enlarged spleen causing excessive destruction/sequestration of blood cells, producing pancytopenia with a compensatory hyperplastic bone marrow.

The single most tested point: Howell-Jolly bodies and siderocytes on blood film = hyposplenism (e.g. coeliac disease), NOT hypersplenism. A functioning (even enlarged) spleen removes these nuclear remnants - their presence confirms splenic dysfunction or absence.

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