Marina Reznik, MD, MS, Philip O. Ozuah, MD, PhD, 2016. "Splenomegaly (Chapter 196)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen resulting from abnormalities of its lymphoid, reticuloendothelial, or vascular components. Although splenomegaly is often considered to be an ominous clinical finding, certain normal variants have been found. In children, as a result of the thinness of the abdominal musculature, a palpable spleen is commonly encountered.1 Thus a soft spleen is normally palpable in 15% to 30% of neonates. By 1 year of age, 10% of healthy children have a palpable spleen. Even after 10 years of age, 1% of children have a palpable spleen.
Wide interobserver variability exists in the ability to...