An investigation into the causes of massive splenomegaly at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Forty-four patients with massive splenomegaly admitted into the medical units of the University Teaching Hospital were investigated. Schistosomiasis, chronic leukaemias, tropical splenomegaly syndrome and cirrhosis are the four major causes of gross splenomegaly in Zambia. It is stressed that splenomegaly in schistosomiasis may not be due solely to haemodynamic changes in the portal circulation. An immunological mechanism plays an important role in the pathophysiology of anaemia and splenomegaly.