الفهرس 
Anatomy of the spleenOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Hypersplenism is a pathologic condition that is characterized by increased pooling or destruction of the blood elements by the spleen. Signs of hypersplenism include splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia, and symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, pain, respiratory distress, early satiety, bleeding tendency and repeated infection. (Madoff et al., 2005).
This study was conducted trying to evaluate the effect of partial splenic embolization on blood elements (mainly the platelets count) in patients with chronic liver disease and hypersplenism and to assess safety of the maneuver.
To fulfill the aim of the study, twenty patients with chronic liver disease and thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism were included.
Every patient was subjected to:
1-Thorough history taking including:
2-General examination.
3-Abdominal examination.
4-Laboratory investigations including:
• Complete blood picture & platelet count.
• Liver profile.
• Renal function tests
• Viral markers (HBsAg and HCVAb).
5- Bone marrow aspirates and trephine examination to exclude bone narrow causes of thrombocytopenia.
6- Abdominal ultrasound.
7- Partial splenic embolization.
Patients were followed up after one month. In the follow up visit, full clinical assessment, CBC, liver profile, kidney functions and abdominal ultrasound were done.
The most common cause of chronic liver disease in the studied patients was post hepatitis C virus infection which is seen in 19 patients (95%). The most frequent risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis C virus infection were past history of blood transfusion in 14 patients (70%) and past history of surgery in 10 patients (50%).
Regarding the symptoms of the studied patients; bleeding tendency was the commonest presentation and was found in 17 patients (85%).
Results of this work showed significant improvement in platelet, WBC and RBC counts in these patients after PSE
Also In this study, significant decrease in spleen size and portal vein diameter were noticed after PSE.
Regarding the complications after the maneuver, postembolization syndrome was the most common complication and occurred in all patients (100%). Increase in amount of ascites or newly developed ascites and left sided pleural effusion were the 2nd and 3rd common complications that occurred in 6 patients (30%) and 5 patients (25%) respectively. Pneumonia occurred in 2 patients (10%).No other complications reported.
Also in this study two embolizing materials, Embosphere and Gel foam, were used in the maneuver and in comparison between them, regarding the post-maneuver improvement of the blood picture as well as the reported complications, we found that there were no significant variations between the two materials.