Which statement best describes congestive splenomegaly?

Which statement best describes congestive splenomegaly?

• A. It is caused by excessive pooling of blood in the splenic tissues
• B. It is caused by bacterial infection of the spleen
• C. It presents as a smaller than normal spleen
• D. It is not related to portal hypertension

Answer: (A)

Congestive splenomegaly is caused by venous congestion from portal hypertension, which backs up blood into the spleen and leads to pooling of blood in the splenic tissue, causing enlargement. The phrase “excessive pooling of blood in the splenic tissues” precisely describes this mechanism: the elevated portal venous pressure makes the spleen congested and swollen. It’s not primarily due to a bacterial infection, so infection isn’t the correct description, and it presents with a larger, not smaller, spleen. It is indeed related to portal hypertension, so saying it’s unrelated would be incorrect.

Congestive splenomegaly is caused by venous congestion from portal hypertension, which backs up blood into the spleen and leads to pooling of blood in the splenic tissue, causing enlargement. The phrase “excessive pooling of blood in the splenic tissues” precisely describes this mechanism: the elevated portal venous pressure makes the spleen congested and swollen. It’s not primarily due to a bacterial infection, so infection isn’t the correct description, and it presents with a larger, not smaller, spleen. It is indeed related to portal hypertension, so saying it’s unrelated would be incorrect.