Morphological bases of splenic circulation in congestive splenomegaly
Re, G.; Casali, A.; Cavalli, D.; Guida, G.; Toni, R.; Bolondi, L.; Cavalli, G.
Haematologica 70(4): 283-290
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078 PMID: 3935524 Document Number: 263625
A stereometric analysis has been carried out in 9 cases of congestive splenomegaly, 4 of hepatic cirrhosis and 5 of active chronic hepatitis. Three normal spleens were used as controls. The study mainly concerned arteries with periarterial lymphatic sheaths (PALS), arterial terminals, and sinuses in order to identify morphological changes in the microvascular system underlying the hemodynamic modifications found in congestive splenomegaly. Both the arterial tree and the sinus system participate in the structural rearrangement. The arteries with PALS and the arterial terminals show an increase in total length, mainly related to spleen enlargement, since their per cent length is not increased. The sinuses appear narrowed and present an increase in both per cent and total length. The widening of the arterial bed and the lengthening of the sinus system may well correlate with the hemodynamic features of congestive splenomegaly, principally consisting of increased blood flow with decreased arteriovenous pressure gradient.