Clinical Diagnosis · Immune System · Medium
Splenomegaly
Meaning: Enlargement of the left upper quadrant organ that filters blood and removes old red cells.
In practice: Causes include glandular fever, leukaemia, portal hypertension from liver disease and endocarditis.
Word parts
- -megaly means enlargement
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Abnormal whooshing heart sound produced by turbulent blood flow.
Answer: Murmur
Which word means: Autoimmune connective tissue disease in which excess collagen hardens and tightens the skin.
Answer: Scleroderma
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